Distractions to Companionship

Ecclesiastes Study, 2024

Series Title: The Pursuit of Purpose

Message #10

Ecclesiastes 4:1-8.

ETS: Solomon reflected on the many distractions to companionship.

ESS: We should be careful to not yield to the distractions that will hinder our relationships.

OSS: [Ethical] {I want the hearers to examine their relationships and determine if they have allowed distractions to hinder their connections with others.}

PQ:

What are the two distractions identified by Solomon that hinder relationships?

UW: Distractions

Intro.:

TS: Let us examine now the distractions Solomon identified that hinder relationships.

**Keep in mind that, as mentioned, Solomon is reflecting back through the lens of the meaninglessness of life in a fallen world. One reality in view as a result of the fallen world is the broken relationships caused by the fall.

The first distraction is oppression. [vv. 1-3]

Notice the two groups mentioned in these verses:

Those in power who oppress people

Those oppressed by those in power

In light of this reality— the difficulty of such relationships and oppression, Solomon says the following:

Those dead are better than those living because they no longer deal with these issues. [v. 2]

Those not yet born are better than even those who have died because they have never experienced such issues.

One source considered verse 3 “hyperbole…it is merely saying in an emphatic way that the corruption practiced under the sun is a cause for great sorrow.” (Duane A. Garrett, “Ecclesiastes,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1010.)

Thought for us: The Gospel is peace and hope. It is the only hope for the power struggles and oppression that are realities and results of the fall. Both can be great hindrances and distractions in companionship. Thus, we should commit to be people of peace— people of the Gospel.

The second distraction is workaholism. [vv. 4-8]

The issue of these verses deal with the reality of the fall— the pursuit of riches and such things to find contentment or purpose on the earth.

Solomon early declares that in such an instance of pursuit, the motive is jealousy and that of trying to outdo another rather than any pursuit of importance.

Next, Solomon declares in a proverbial statement that laziness brings on poverty and such is foolish. [v. 5]

Following the proverbial statement about the foolishness of laziness, Solomon seems to communicate the importance of balance, though, perhaps working with purpose as opposed to working just to outdo others.

Duane Garrett wrote, “…it is better to have little with peace than to have much with a constant hunger for more. A strong work ethic is not wrong, but it needs to be balanced with an appreciation for the joys of life.”

Even still Solomon reflects on the person who works his life away to obtain riches on the earth— this person, often without companionship because all of his time, energy, and investment is in obtaining— is miserable and always longing.

The question of verse 8 is perhaps key to the whole of the book: who am i struggling for and depriving myself of good things? Said in other words— for who am I striving?

Perhaps an overextension to assert Solomon had such in mind, at least one person commented to suggest Christ would be the missing one. (Michael A. Eaton, Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 18, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983), 108.)

Yet, in full contextual understanding of the Bible— one understands that our true longing is for Jesus, and in that sense, this is not an overextension. The point here: Apart from Christ, all of our striving on the earth, no matter the gain and obtaining we have, leaves us empty and longing for more— it is futile and miserable.

Thought for us: Why do we strive and work? What is our motive? Striving and working aside from Jesus is simply going to lead to more and more striving. Only when we do what we do to honor and glorify Christ will we find purpose and contentment.

Conclusive thoughts:

1 Corinthians 10:31 “31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

Reflective questions:

[1] Have I allowed either of these issues to hinder my relationships?

Maybe I have asserted myself more powerful than others and unintentionally or intentionally caused oppression for them, hindering our relationship.

Maybe I have strived- worked and worked and worked- with wrong motives.

[2] Are there any other consequences of the fall that I allow to negatively influence my relationships that I could work towards fixing through repentance or submission to Christ?