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Ecclesiastes 4

World English Bible

WEB

1Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. 2Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive. 3Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. 4Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. 5The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself. 6Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind. 7Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun. 8There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business. 9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. 11Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? 12If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. 14For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. 15I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. 16There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Ecclesiastes Chapter 4 presents a profound reflection on the nature of human existence, emphasizing the themes of loneliness, toil, and the value of companionship. The chapter begins with the Preacher observing the oppression and injustices in the world, noting that the tears of the oppressed go uncomforted, and that there is no one to help them. This observation leads to a stark conclusion: it is better to be dead than to live in such despair, highlighting the futility of life without purpose or community. The Preacher recognizes that the struggles of life can be overwhelming, and he points out that those who have no one to share their burdens with are at a significant disadvantage (#oppression, #injustice).

The chapter then shifts to the importance of companionship, stating that two are better than one because they can support each other in times of trouble. This is illustrated through the imagery of a cord of three strands, which is not easily broken, symbolizing the strength found in relationships. The Preacher emphasizes that friendship and partnership provide comfort and help in facing life's challenges, reinforcing the biblical principle that we are not meant to live in isolation (#companionship, #friendship). Finally, the chapter concludes with a reflection on the fleeting nature of power and success, reminding us that even a wise and poor youth can be better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to take advice. This serves as a reminder to value wisdom and relationships over worldly status, as true fulfillment comes from our connections with others and our relationship with God.

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Referenced by

  1. Job 3:11v2Job questions why he did not die at birth, similar to the Preacher in Ecclesiastes who considers the dead more fortunate than the living.

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