Ecclesiastes 4:4

New English Translation

Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless – like chasing the wind.

Cross References

Genesis 26:14

He had so many sheep and cattle and such a great household of servants that the Philistines became jealous of him.

Genesis 31:1

Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were complaining, “Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father! He has gotten rich at our father’s expense!”

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Ecclesiastes 1:14

I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile – like chasing the wind!

Ecclesiastes 1:17

So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!

Ecclesiastes 2:21

For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance to someone else who did not work for it. This also is futile, and an awful injustice!

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth – only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile – like chasing the wind!

Ecclesiastes 4:16

There is no end to all the people nor to the past generations, yet future generations will not rejoice in him. This also is profitless and like chasing the wind.

Ecclesiastes 6:11

The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him?

Ecclesiastes 6:9

It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind.

Matthew 27:18

(For he knew that they had handed him over because of envy.)

Acts 7:9

The patriarchs, because they were jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt. But God was with him,

James 4:5

Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, “The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning”?

1 John 3:12

not like Cain who was of the evil one and brutally murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, but his brother’s were righteous.