Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 4:5

5 The fool foldeth his hands together , and eateth his own flesh .

Is careless and idle, which is the signification of this gesture, Prov. 6. 10. & 19. 24. & 26. 13. Perceiving that diligence is attended with envy, v. 4. he, like a fool, runs into the other extream.

Wasteth his substance and bringeth himself to poverty, whereby his very flesh pineth away for want of Bread, and he is reduced to Skin and Bone, and if he have any Flesh left, he is ready to eat it through extremity of hunger.

Marginal references: Pro. 6. 10. & 24. 33.