Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 4:8

8 There is one alone , and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother : yet is there no end of all his labour , neither is his eye satisfied with riches, neither saith he , For whom do I labour , and bereave my soul of good ? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travel .

Either 1. who lives by himself, as grudging that any other should partake of his Provisions. Or rather 2. who hath none but himself to care and labour for, as the next words explain it.

To whom he may leave his vast Estate.

He lives in perpetual restlesness and excessive toils.

i. e. His covetous mind or desire fitly expressed by the Eye, partly because that is the incentive of this, sin, Ios. 7. 21. and partly because he hath no good by his Riches, saving the beholding of them with his Eyes, as it is affirmed, Eccles 5. 11. Comp. 2. 10. 1 Ioh. 2. 16.

Within himself: he considers nothing but how he may get more and more.

Having no Posterity nor Kindred to enjoy it, as was now said. Shall I take all this pains for a Stranger, possibly for an Enemy, who will reap the fruit of all my labours?

Deny my self those comforts and conveniences which God hath allowed unto me?

A dreadful judgment and misery as well as a great sin.

Marginal references: Ps. 39. 6.