Ecclesiastes 4:6
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.
Webster's Revision
Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.
World English Bible
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Better is an handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and striving after wind.
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 4:6 Bible Commentary
Better is a handful with quietness - These may be the words of the slothful man, and spoken in vindication of his idleness; as if he had said, "Every man who labors and amasses property is the object of envy, and is marked by the oppressor as a subject for spoil; better, therefore, to act as I do; gain little, and have little, and enjoy my handful with quietness." Or the words may contain Solomon's reflection on the subject.
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 4:6 Bible Commentary
Either the fool's sarcasm on his successful but restless neighbor; or the comment of Solomon recommending contentment with a moderate competence. The former meaning seems preferable.
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 4:6 Bible Commentary
4:6 Better - These are the words of the sluggard, making this apology for his idleness, That his little with ease, is better than great riches got with much trouble.
