Translations
Modern
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Traditional
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Literal
Better the fullness of palm with quietness than the fullness of two palms with toil and a striving after the wind.
Latin
Melior est pugillus cum requie, quam plena utraque manus cum labore et afflictione animi.
Original
Hebrew
English
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Notes
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).
This section discusses various topics, such as justice, humans and animals, oppression, moderation, companionship, politics, and worship.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Topics
Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Multitasking Peace: Advantages of Peace: Social Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Poverty: General Scriptures Concerning