Ecclesiastes 4:8

One alone. The picture is of a solitary person, alone and without either friends or close associates. He has neither kith nor kin, nor heir to succeed him or to carry forward his labors.

Neither child nor brother. A pathetic picture of loneliness, with little incentive to encourage one in his endeavors. To labor to provide for loved ones is a noble and satisfying task. Responsibility for loved ones is an effective means to the development of character. Without such incentives a man becomes self-centered, and the springs of benevolence within him dry up.

End. Or, “cessation,” from the verb root, “to cut off.” This lonely man, with no responsibility for others, nevertheless continues to work and hoard with a zeal worthy of more commendable objectives.

Satisfied with riches. The more he accumulates, the more he craves. The acquisition of wealth has become an obsession with him (see Prov. 27:20). Few men are content with their lot.

Bereave my soul. That is, “deny myself” (see on Ps. 16:10 for this use of nephesh). This avaricious person never questioned why he labored so incessantly. He was blinded by desire, and therefore devoted himself to amassing wealth, yet without finding contentment. It is a Christian virtue to be industrious, yet entirely contented under God’s hand (Rom. 12:11; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5). Indolence is not commended in the Christian (Prov. 12:24; Eccl. 10:18).

Sore travail. Better, “an evil business” or “a wretched task.”