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Selected Verse: Ecclesiates 4:5 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
Ec 4:5	King James	The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Still the fool (the wicked oppressor) is not to be envied even in this life, who "folds his hands together" in idleness (Pro 6:10; Pro 24:33), living on the means he wrongfully wrests from others; for such a one eateth his own flesh--that is, is a self-tormentor, never satisfied, his spirit preying on itself (Isa 9:20; Isa 49:26).

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Still the

fool (the wicked oppressor) is not to be envied even in this life, who "folds his hands together" in idleness (Pro 6:10; Pro 24:33), living on the means he wrongfully wrests from others; for such a one

eateth his own flesh--that is, is a self-tormentor, never satisfied, his spirit preying on itself (Isa 9:20; Isa 49:26).

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Foldeth his hands - The envious man is here exhibited in the attitude of the sluggard (marginal references). Eateth his own flesh - i. e., "Destroys himself:" compare a similar expression in Isa 49:26; Psa 27:2; Mic 3:3.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Foldeth his hands - The envious man is here exhibited in the attitude of the sluggard (marginal references).

Eateth his own flesh - i. e., "Destroys himself:" compare a similar expression in Isa 49:26; Psa 27:2; Mic 3:3.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]
There ought certainly to be activity according to our calling; indolence is self-destruction: "The fool foldeth his hands, and eateth his own flesh." He layeth his hands together (Prov 6:10-24:33), - placeth them in his bosom, instead of using them in working, - and thereby he eateth himself up, i.e., bringeth ruin upon himself (Psa 27:2; Mic 3:3; Isa 49:26); for instead of nourishing himself by the labour of his hands, he feeds on his own flesh, and thus wasteth away. The emphasis does not lie on the subject (the fool, and only the fool), but on the pred.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]

There ought certainly to be activity according to our calling; indolence is self-destruction: "The fool foldeth his hands, and eateth his own flesh." He layeth his hands together (Prov 6:10-24:33), - placeth them in his bosom, instead of using them in working, - and thereby he eateth himself up, i.e., bringeth ruin upon himself (Psa 27:2; Mic 3:3; Isa 49:26); for instead of nourishing himself by the labour of his hands, he feeds on his own flesh, and thus wasteth away. The emphasis does not lie on the subject (the fool, and only the fool), but on the pred.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
The fool - Is careless and idle: perceiving that diligence is attended with envy, he runs into the other extreme. Eateth - Wastes his substance, and brings himself to poverty, whereby his very flesh pines away for want of bread.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

The fool - Is careless and idle: perceiving that diligence is attended with envy, he runs into the other extreme. Eateth - Wastes his substance, and brings himself to poverty, whereby his very flesh pines away for want of bread.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
The fool foldeth his hands - After all, without labor and industry no man can get any comfort in life; and he who gives way to idleness is the veriest of fools.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

The fool foldeth his hands - After all, without labor and industry no man can get any comfort in life; and he who gives way to idleness is the veriest of fools.

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