"Better a handful of tranquility than two handsful of toil and chasing after the wind"
---King Solomon
2007-03-14 01:13:38 · 6 answers · asked by oscar c 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I think it rings true even to this day. Basically Solomon is saying that it's best to have little and be happy than to have more and be unhappy and have to keep up with the Jones. I am sure there were no Joneses then, but you get the idea. I don't remember th econtext of the phrase... But in today's society this can be viewed in many ways. The first one that came to my mind was materialisms. I think in many ways people who have less are happier in spirit because they are forced to focus on what they are grateful for... family, friendships, life, etc... Whereas a wealthier person would be less happy with "life" itself because hte y have to work to live a lush lifestyle and in constant need to keep up with trends, neighbors, etc. And then their personal lives suffer.... not home enough, spoiled kids who don't now the value of a dollar or life by itself, etc. I'm with King Solomon on this one!!!
2007-03-14 01:23:18 · answer #1 · answered by Mexi Poff 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Simple . Be satisfied with what you have in life .The ultimate goal of every human being is to live a happy Life .If we make a chase , there will not be an end..Even if we get the thing which we chase, we will go on chasing another thing and our life will be spent just in chasing...chasing ... Where will be the happiness ?So stop chasing and try to live the life with what you have at hand .
Hard to follow , still a good concept if we want to be really happy .
2007-03-14 08:50:18 · answer #2 · answered by subra 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
King Solomon is considered to be the wisest of men in the Bible. He sought for the guidance of the Lord in matters of state and religion.
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 4:6 KJV)
I believe this particular quote has much to do with the role of being a peacemaker. While it is difficult to sue for and to establish and keep the peace, it is much more to be desired than constant wrangling and strife.
Solomon is trying to let us know that the constant grasping for position and gain robs us of our peace, both personally and in the world.
Better to be humble and wait upon the Lord than to be proud and boastful and spend your days in bondage to pride.
2007-03-14 08:26:20 · answer #3 · answered by stonechic 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I don't know. I'd have to look in my Bible and see where it is in context to the verses before and after it. If I were to guess though, I'd say it means that it's better to be content with the little that God has blessed you with than chaotically chasing after pipe dreams, like buying up all the lottery tickets you can.
2007-03-14 12:23:20 · answer #4 · answered by Evan S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a content laborer one who takes a balanced approach vs being a workaholic or sluggard.
2007-03-14 08:30:27 · answer #5 · answered by Parercut Faint 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Money has its price,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, peace,,,
...
2007-03-14 12:23:37 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋