Ecclesiastes 4:4
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What's striking here is that the verse isn't just saying that successful people get envied; it's suggesting that the very motivation behind much of our "skill in work" is an envy of our neighbor. This means our drive to achieve might not stem from passion or purpose, but from a competitive spirit that ultimately leaves us empty.
Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Teacher has been observing the futility of human endeavors under the sun, moving from the oppression of the powerless to the solitary nature of work. Now, he turns his attention to skillful labor and achievement, noting that even success and talent often lead to envy and ill will from others, rather than reward or satisfaction. This leads him to conclude that such driven, competitive efforts, ultimately stemming from or leading to envy, are also meaningless pursuits.
Ever felt like your hard work and talent just invite trouble? This verse dives into that frustrating reality, showing how even our best efforts can backfire.
The verse highlights that not only is all our toil difficult, but our skillful work—our excellent achievements—often brings the opposite of recognition. Instead of praise, it can spark envy in others. This means that the very things we're proud of, the very abilities that set us apart, can make us targets for jealousy and ill will from those around us.
Think about it: a promotion earned through dedication, a creative project that shines, or even just a consistently good performance at work. While these should be cause for celebration, the world's response isn't always admiration. This envy, the text points out, is a 'vanity,' something that ultimately leaves us feeling empty, like we're 'striving after wind'—chasing something we can never truly grasp or hold onto.
Why does excelling sometimes bring out the worst in people? This verse points to a deep-seated human struggle that diminishes our joy.
The text suggests that a significant driver behind human effort isn't just ambition or a desire for good, but often a comparative spirit – 'a man's envy of his neighbor.' It's that urge to measure up, to surpass, or even to tear down someone else's success.
This isn't just about external recognition; it's about the internal motivation behind our striving. When our hard work is fueled by a desire to outdo others, or when others' success triggers our own feelings of inadequacy, the result is ultimately 'vanity.' It’s a hollow pursuit because it’s based on rivalry and comparison, not on a stable, God-given purpose. This relentless striving, rooted in envy, is ultimately unproductive and unsatisfying.
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Understand the original words
amal · Hebrew Noun
Hard, exhausting labor or intense effort. It often carries the connotation of wearisome struggle, especially when pursued for self-advancement in a transient world.
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
A feeling of resentful longing or displeasure aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or success. It is viewed as a primary motivator for misplaced ambition and human striving.
hebel · Hebrew Noun
Hebrew 'hebel'; literally 'vapor' or 'breath.' It refers to that which is fleeting, unsubstantial, or futile when measured against eternity, especially when pursued independently of God.
This passage shows how Cain's offering, despite being a work, was met with disapproval, leading to envy and ultimately violence towards Abel, illustrating how even good work can lead to negative outcomes.
Proverbs 14:30This proverb directly states that envy causes decay and is like rottenness to the bones, reinforcing the destructive nature of envy highlighted in Ecclesiastes.
Matthew 27:18Pilate knew the chief priests handed Jesus over out of envy, demonstrating how even the most righteous actions and 'skillful work' of Jesus were met with envy and condemnation from those in power.
Philippians 1:15-18Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, yet rejoices that Christ is proclaimed, showing how even negative motives like envy can be present in proclaiming good news, yet God can still bring good from it.
pooleEcclesiastes 4:4: "Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit."
Every right work; all the worthy designs and complete works of wise and virtuous men. Is envied of his neighbour; instead of that honour and recompence which he deserves, he meets with nothing but envy and obloquy, and many evil fruits thereof.
clarkeEcclesiastes 4:4: "Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit."
For this a man is envied - It is not by injustice and wrong only that men suffer, but through envy also. For if a man act uprightly and properly in the world, he soon becomes the object of his neighbor's envy and calumny too. Therefore the encouragement to do good, to act an upright part, is very little. This constitutes a part of…
What's striking here is that the verse isn't just saying that successful people get envied; it's suggesting that the very motivation behind much of our "skill in work" is an envy of our neighbor. This means our drive to achieve might not stem from passion or purpose, but from a competitive spirit that ultimately leaves us empty.
The Teacher has been observing the futility of human endeavors under the sun, moving from the oppression of the powerless to the solitary nature of work. Now, he turns his attention to skillful labor and achievement, noting that even success and talent often lead to envy and ill will from others, rather than reward or satisfaction. This leads him to conclude that such driven, competitive efforts, ultimately stemming from or leading to envy, are also meaningless pursuits.
The Teacher has been observing the futility of human endeavors under the sun, moving from the oppression of the powerless to the solitary nature of work. Now, he turns his attention to skillful labor and achievement, noting that even success and talent often lead to envy and ill will from others, rather than reward or satisfaction. This leads him to conclude that such driven, competitive efforts, ultimately stemming from or leading to envy, are also meaningless pursuits.
"Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind." — What's striking here is that the verse isn't just saying that successful people get envied; it's suggesting that the very motivation behind much of our "skill in work" is an envy of our neighbor.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
