Ecclesiastes 4:5

“The fool foldeth his hands together, etc.] In order to get more sleep, or as unwilling to work; so the Targum adds, “he folds his hands in summer, and will not labour;” (see <200610>Proverbs 6:10). Some persons, to escape the envy which diligence and industry bring on men, will not work at all, or do any right work, and think to sleep in a whole skin; this is great folly and madness indeed: and eateth his own flesh; such a man is starved and famished for want of food, so that his flesh is wasted away; or he is so hungry bitten, that he is ready to eat his own flesh; or he hereby brings to ruin his family, his wife, and children, which are his own flesh, (<235807>Isaiah 58:7). The Targum is,…”

“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).”

“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 Isaiah 49:26; Psalms 27:2; Micah 3:3. return to 'Top of Page'”

“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. Ecclesiastes 4:6”

“4:5-6 Fools do not even try to succeed and end up impoverished. Others frantically devote two handfuls—all their time and effort—to hard work in pursuit of fleeting wealth that they will have no time to enjoy (cp. Prov 23:4-5). Wise people practice moderation and contentment (quietness).”

“fool: Pro 6:10, Pro 6:11, Pro 12:27, Pro 13:4, Pro 20:4, Pro 24:33, Pro 24:34 eateth: That is, with envy (see Ecc 4:4), though too idle to follow his neighbour's example. Job 13:14; Pro 11:17; Isa 9:20 Ecclesiastes 4:6”

“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. Ecclesiastes 4:6”