Ecclesiastes 4:5

Translations

Modern

The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.

Traditional

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

Literal

The fool is folding his hands and is eating his own flesh.

Latin

Stultus complicat manus suas, et comedit carnes suas, dicens:

Original

Hebrew

English

The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 4:5–6

Fools do not try to succeed and end up poor. Others work frantically, using all their time and effort, to chase temporary wealth they will not have time to enjoy (compare Proverbs 23:4–5). Wise people practice moderation and contentment (tranquility).

Ecclesiastes 3:16–5:7

This section discusses various topics, such as justice, humans and animals, oppression, moderation, companionship, politics, and worship.

Theme notes and profiles

Laziness and Hard Work

Related verses

Isaiah 9:20
They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring.
Proverbs 6:10–11
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
Proverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
Proverbs 20:4
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
Job 13:14
Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands?
Proverbs 11:17
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
Proverbs 12:27
A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
Proverbs 24:33–34
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes

Topics

Fool: General Scriptures Concerning Fools: Are: Slothful Idleness: General Scriptures Concerning

Ecclesiastes 4:5

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