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. Ecclesiastes 4:4
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Enjoy!
When reading the Bible or quoting it, there are general interpretations that should be included: What does it say about God? What is the meaning in its context? What is the meaning for the present-day reader? Of course, we will default to present-day, specifically by viewing it through the TPS lens.
The author reflects on the nature of human labor and skill, suggesting that the motivation behind much of our toil and hard work is rooted in envy of our neighbors. The author could initially be describing good envy or emulation. I am happy that 3000 years ago good envy was recognized as a method of self-improvement.
However, the author suggests that this specific envy is a false prophet or is drifting towards bad envy. The phrase “all toil and all skill in work” implies that the efforts and expertise the person invested in his work were driven by a desire to outdo or surpass others.
The passage from Ecclesiastes cautions against a specific mindset where all toil and skill in work are solely driven by envy of one’s neighbor and besting them. This is not about growing tall and self-improvement but about competition, rivalry, feuding, and perhaps cutting down.
The conclusion drawn by the author is that this pursuit based on envy is ultimately futile and empty, described as “vanity“, pride, or hubris, and “a striving after wind.” This suggests that the relentless pursuit of success by surpassing others is akin to chasing something insubstantial and fleeting, like trying to catch the wind.
The passage encourages reflection on the true motives behind one’s labor and emphasizes the emptiness of a life driven solely by comparison and competition which may be a means but not an end.
Happy New Year!
