There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.
The covetous man is a slave to his own appetite, laboring night and day with no one to feed but himself, yet his eye is never satisfied with riches. He has enough for his back and belly and calling, but not for his eyes; he counts his money and will not spend it, bereaving himself of all comfort in what he grasps.
AI summary
Commenting on Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
There is one alone, and there is not a second,.... According to Aben Ezra, either no friend or companion, or no servant, or no wife, which last sense he prefers; no friend or companion he chooses, because friendship and fellowship lead to expenses; and no servant who would be chargeable to him; and no wife, which would be more expensive, and bring on a family...
not a second--no partner. child--"son or brother," put for any heir (Deu 25:5-10). eye-- (Ecc 1:8). The miser would not be able to give an account of his infatuation.