Scripture · Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Ecclesiastes 4:6 is verse 6 of Ecclesiastes chapter 4, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
King James Version
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
World English Bible
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
Read in context
Ecclesiastes 4:4–8 · Berean Standard Bible
4 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.
5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
6 Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
7 Again, I saw futility under the sun.
8 There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 4Hebrew words
Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
Study Ecclesiastes 4:6
Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
Psalms 37:16Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.
Proverbs 15:16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
Proverbs 15:17Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
Proverbs 16:8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
Proverbs 17:1Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.