Ecclesiastes 4:6 bbe — One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.

Bible in Basic English

"One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind."

— Ecclesiastes 4:6, Bible in Basic English

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Ecclesiastes 4 — Context

3

Yes, happier than the dead or the living seemed he who has not ever been, who has not seen the evil which is done under the sun.

4

And I saw that the cause of all the work and of everything which is done well was man's envy of his neighbour. This again is to no purpose and a desire for wind.

5

The foolish man, folding his hands, takes the flesh of his body for food.

6

One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.

7

Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.

8

It is one who is by himself, without a second, and without son or brother; but there is no end to all his work, and he has never enough of wealth. For whom, then, am I working and keeping myself from pleasure? This again is to no purpose, and a bitter work.

9

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 4:6 say?
Ecclesiastes 4:6 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 4:6 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 4:6 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verse 6.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 4:6.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 4:6 in?
Ecclesiastes 4:6 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 4:6?
Ecclesiastes 4:6 reads (BBE): “One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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