Ecclesiastes 4:5

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.

American King James Version (AKJV)

The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.

American Standard Version (ASV)

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

The foolish man, folding his hands, takes the flesh of his body for food.

Webster's Revision

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

World English Bible

The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

English Revised Version (ERV)

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

Clarke's Ecclesiastes 4:5 Bible Commentary

The fool foldeth his hands - After all, without labor and industry no man can get any comfort in life; and he who gives way to idleness is the veriest of fools.

Barnes's Ecclesiastes 4:5 Bible Commentary

Foldeth his hands - The envious man is here exhibited in the attitude of the sluggard (marginal references).

Eateth his own flesh - i. e., "Destroys himself:" compare a similar expression in Isaiah 49:26; Psalm 27:2; Micah 3:3.

Wesley's Ecclesiastes 4:5 Bible Commentary

4:5 The fool - Is careless and idle: perceiving that diligence is attended with envy, he runs into the other extreme. Eateth - Wastes his substance, and brings himself to poverty, whereby his very flesh pines away for want of bread.