Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Summary
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Wandering of the desire
Bible References
Better
Ecclesiastes 2:24
The only worthwhile thing for a human being is to eat, drink, and enjoy life's goodness that he finds in what he accomplishes. This, I observed, is also from the hand of God himself,
Ecclesiastes 3:12
I have concluded that the only worthwhile thing for them is to take pleasure in doing good in life;
Ecclesiastes 5:18
Look! I observed that it is good and prudent to eat, drink, and enjoy all that is good of a person's work that he does on earth during the limited days of his life, which God gives him, for this is his allotment.
Wandering of the desire
Job 31:7
If I have stepped away from the way, or if my heart covets whatever my eyes see, or if some other blemish clings to my hands,
Proverbs 30:15
The leech has two daughters: "Give" and "Give". Three things will never be satisfied; four will never say "Enough" -
Jeremiah 2:20
"For long ago I broke your yoke and tore off your bonds, But you said, "I won't serve you!' Instead, on every high hill and under every green tree, you bend down to commit fornication.
This
Ecclesiastes 6:2
a man to whom God gives wealth, riches, and honor, so that he lacks none of his heart's desires but God does not give him the capability to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger consumes them. This is pointless and a grievous affliction.
Ecclesiastes 1:2
"Utterly pointless," says the Teacher. "Absolutely pointless; everything is pointless."
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I examined all sorts of work, including all kinds of excellent achievements that create envy in others. This also is pointless and chasing after the wind.