Catholic Public Domain Version
"“A handful with rest is better than both hands filled with labors and with affliction of the soul.” "
— Ecclesiastes 4:6, Catholic Public Domain Version
“Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.”
“Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind. ”
“Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.”
“Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.”
“Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.”
“One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.”
“Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.”
And happier than both of these, I judged him to be, who has not yet been born, and who has not yet seen the evils which are done under the sun.
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.
The foolish man folds his hands together, and he consumes his own flesh, saying:
“A handful with rest is better than both hands filled with labors and with affliction of the soul.”
While considering this, I also discovered another vanity under the sun.
He is one, and he does not have a second: no son, no brother. And yet he does not cease to labor, nor are his eyes satisfied with wealth, nor does he reflect, saying: “For whom do I labor and cheat my soul of good things?” In this, too, is emptiness and a most burdensome affliction.
Therefore, it is better for two to be together, than for one to be alone. For they have the advantage of their companionship.