4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
4 And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
4 Then I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste! Smoke. And spitting into the wind.
4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless-like chasing the wind.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
(Read Ecclesiastes 4:4-6)
Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and whose efforts are crowned with success. They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Others, seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more satisfaction in sloth and idleness. But idleness is a sin that is its own punishment. Let us by honest industry lay hold on the handful, that we may not want necessaries, but not grasp at both hands full, which would only create vexation of spirit. Moderate pains and gains do best.