Chapter 4: He looks again at the oppressions of the just, and in that context says it would be better for one who had never to live though it - semitic exaggeration of course.

He notes how many things are motivated by envy, . We need to watch: it is not envy if I see someone has some thing good, and think: I wish I had it too. Envy sees another having good and thinks: It is bad for me that he has it--I wish he did not have it. - Such an attitude ruins a soul and makes it greatly unhappy even here.

In v 5. he says the fool folds his hands - that is, does nothing, does not even work to get his sustenance - and so ruins himself ( a translation often found: "and eats his own flesh" is fanciful. Result: better is moderation in all things. So better is a poor and wise young man than an aged king who has no wisdom.