Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a person and his neighbor. This too is futility and striving after wind. NASB 1995 I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. NASB 1977 And I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. Legacy Standard Bible I have seen that every labor and every success of the work is the result of jealousy between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. Amplified Bible I have seen that every [effort in] labor and every skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor. This too is vanity (futility, false pride) and chasing after the wind. Christian Standard Bible I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to one person’s jealousy of another. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Holman Christian Standard Bible I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a man’s jealousy of his friend. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. American Standard Version Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. Contemporary English Version Then I realized that we work and do wonderful things just because we are jealous of others. This makes no more sense than chasing the wind. English Revised Version Then I saw all labour and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then I saw that all hard work and skillful effort come from rivalry. Even this is pointless. [It's like] trying to catch the wind. Good News Translation I have also learned why people work so hard to succeed: it is because they envy the things their neighbors have. But it is useless. It is like chasing the wind. International Standard Version Then I examined all sorts of work, including all kinds of excellent achievements that create envy in others. This also is pointless and chasing after the wind. Majority Standard Bible I saw that all labor and success spring from a man?s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. NET Bible Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless--like chasing the wind. New Heart English Bible Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. Webster's Bible Translation Again, I considered all labor, and every right work, that for this a man is envied by his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. World English Bible Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I have seen all the labor, and all the benefit of the work, because for it a man is the envy of his neighbor. Even this [is] vanity and distress of spirit. Young's Literal Translation And I have seen all the labour, and all the benefit of the work, because for it a man is the envy of his neighbour. Even this is vanity and vexation of spirit. Smith's Literal Translation And I saw all the labor and all the success of the work, for this the jealousy of a man from his neighbor. Also this is vanity and striving of spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAgain I considered all the labours of men, and I remarked that their industries are exposed to the envy of their neighhour: so in this also there is vanity, and fruitless care. Catholic Public Domain Version Again, I was contemplating all the labors of men. And I took notice that their endeavors are open to the envy of their neighbor. And so, in this, too, there is emptiness and superfluous anxiety. New American Bible Then I saw that all toil and skillful work is the rivalry of one person with another. This also is vanity and a chase after wind. New Revised Standard Version Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from one person’s envy of another. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I saw that all the labor and all the work is successful because a man is more zealous than his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I have seen all the labors and all successes of the owners of a work, because the zeal of a man is more than his neighbor’s, and this also is futility and agitation of spirit OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Again, I considered all labour and all excelling in work, that it is a man's rivalry with his neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I saw all labour, and all the diligent work, that this is a man's envy from his neighbour. This is also vanity and waywardness of spirit. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Evil of Oppression…3But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. 4I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. 5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.… Cross References James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another. 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ... James 4:1-3 What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. / And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Proverbs 24:1 Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; Galatians 6:4 Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Treasury of Scripture Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Genesis 4:4-8 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: … Genesis 37:2-11 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report… 1 Samuel 18:8,9,14-16,29,30 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? … this is Ecclesiastes 3:16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 2:21,26 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil… Jump to Previous Cause Chasing Considered Desire Envied Envy Excelling Labor Meaningless Neighbor Neighbour Purpose Pursuit Result Right Rivalry Skilful Skill Spirit Spring Striving Success Travail Vanity Vexation Wind WorkJump to Next Cause Chasing Considered Desire Envied Envy Excelling Labor Meaningless Neighbor Neighbour Purpose Pursuit Result Right Rivalry Skilful Skill Spirit Spring Striving Success Travail Vanity Vexation Wind WorkEcclesiastes 4 1. vanity is increased unto men by oppression4. by envy 5. by idleness 7. by covetousness 9. by solitariness 13. by willfulness I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. The phrase begins with the observation of the Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, who is reflecting on human endeavors. The use of "I saw" indicates a personal insight or revelation, suggesting a deep understanding of human nature. The context of Ecclesiastes is a philosophical exploration of life's meaning, often highlighting the futility of worldly pursuits. The mention of "all labor and success" points to the efforts and achievements that people strive for in life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, labor was often tied to survival and social status, and success was measured by wealth and influence. The phrase "spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor" highlights the motivation behind human efforts. Envy, a destructive emotion, is seen as a driving force for competition and ambition. This reflects the biblical theme of covetousness, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17), where God warns against desiring what belongs to others. The cultural context of the time was one where social comparison was prevalent, much like today, and this observation remains relevant across ages. The idea that envy leads to labor and success suggests a cycle of dissatisfaction and striving, which is echoed in James 3:16, where envy leads to disorder and evil practices. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and observations. 2. Israel - The setting for Solomon's reign and the context in which he observed human behavior, including labor and success. 3. Neighbor - Represents the people around us, whose achievements and possessions can often become the standard by which we measure our own success. Teaching Points The Futility of Envy-Driven SuccessEnvy as a motivator for success is ultimately unfulfilling and leads to a never-ending cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction. Contentment in God’s Provision True contentment comes from recognizing and appreciating what God has provided, rather than constantly striving to outdo others. The Dangers of Comparison Constantly comparing ourselves to others can lead to a distorted view of success and self-worth, detracting from our God-given purpose. Pursuit of Godly Wisdom Instead of chasing after worldly success, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, which leads to lasting fulfillment. Community and Cooperation Over Competition The Christian life calls for building each other up and working together, rather than competing out of envy.(4) Right work.--Rather, skilful. (See Note on Ecclesiastes 2:21.)Verses 4-6. - Secondly, success meets with envy, and produces no lasting good to the worker; yet, however unsatisfactory the result, man must continue to labor, as idleness is ruin. Verse 4. - Again, I considered all travail, and every right work. The word rendered "right" is kishron (see on Ecclesiastes 2:21), and means rather "dexterity," "success." Kohe-leth says that he reflected upon the industry that men exhibit, and the skill and dexterity with which they ply their incessant toil. There is no reference to moral rectitude in the reflection, and the allusion to the ostracism of Aristides for being called "Just" overshoots the mark (see Wordsworth, in loc.). Septuagint, σύμπασαν ἀνρίαν τοῦ ποιήματος, "all manliness of his work." That for this a man is envied of his neighbor. Kinah may mean either "object of envy" or "envious rivalry;" i.e. the clause may be translated as above, or, as in the Revised Version margin, "it cometh of a man's rivalry with his neighbor." The Septuagint is ambiguous, Ὅτι αὐτὸ ζῆλος ἀνδρὸς ἀπὸ τοῦ ἑταίρου αὐτοῦ, "That this is a man's envy from his comrade;" Vulgate, Industrias animadverti patere invidiae proximi, "Lay open to a neighbor's envy." In the first case the thought is that unusual skill and success expose a man to envy and ill will, which rob labor of all enjoyment. In the second case the writer says that this superiority and dexterity arise from a mean motive, an envious desire to outstrip a neighbor, and, based on such low ground, can lead to nothing but vanity and vexation of spirit, a striving after wind. The former explanation seems more in accordance with Koheleth's gloomy view. Success itself is no guarantee of happiness; the malice and ill feeling which it invariably occasions are necessarily a source of pain and distress. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Iאֲנִ֜י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I saw וְרָאִ֨יתִֽי (wə·rā·’î·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see that all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every labor עָמָ֗ל (‘ā·māl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind and וְאֵת֙ (wə·’êṯ) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case success כִּשְׁר֣וֹן (kiš·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3788: Success, advantage spring from כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction a man’s אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person envy קִנְאַת־ (qin·’aṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7068: Ardor, zeal, jealousy of his neighbor. מֵרֵעֵ֑הוּ (mê·rê·‘ê·hū) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow This זֶ֥ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that too גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and is futile הֶ֖בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory and a pursuit וּרְע֥וּת (ū·rə·‘ūṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7469: A feeding upon, grasping after of the wind. רֽוּחַ׃ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Links Ecclesiastes 4:4 NIVEcclesiastes 4:4 NLT Ecclesiastes 4:4 ESV Ecclesiastes 4:4 NASB Ecclesiastes 4:4 KJV Ecclesiastes 4:4 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 4:4 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 4:4 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 4:4 French Bible Ecclesiastes 4:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I saw all the labor (Ecclesiast. 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