The Brokenness of Striving Alone

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1–12

Opening Prayer

"Heavenly Father, thank You for gathering us here today. As we open Your Word, we ask for Your wisdom to guide us. Help us to understand the truths You’ve given us in Ecclesiastes and how they apply to our lives. Show us the emptiness of chasing after worldly success and power, and teach us to embrace the contentment and joy that come from living according to Your design. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and respond in faith. May Your Spirit work in and through us today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."

Sermon Series Introduction

"Good morning, church! Today, we continue our series titled ‘The Pursuit of Meaning a series from the Book of Ecclesiastes’

In this series, we’ve been exploring Solomon’s reflections on life. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, looked at life 'under the sun'—that is, life without God at the center—and found it to be meaningless.

But as we’ve seen, Solomon’s words also point us to the truth: while life under the sun feels empty, life with God has eternal purpose and meaning.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 4:1–12, where Solomon focuses on the emptiness of oppression, envy-driven success, and isolation. He shows us the heartbreak of living in a broken world and reminds us of the beauty of community and contentment. Let’s dive into the passage together."

[Read Ecclesiastes 4:1–3 aloud.]

Ecclesiastes 4:1–3 ESV

Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.

I. The Reality of Oppression

"Solomon starts by reflecting on the reality of oppression in the world. He says, 'I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them.'

This paints a heartbreaking picture of people suffering without help or hope. He even says that those who have already died are better off than the living because they’re free from oppression.

We don’t have to look far to see this reality today. From injustice in the workplace to global issues like human trafficking, oppression is everywhere.

In Ecclesiastes, we learn that it's better to have partners in struggle than to face difficulties alone. This is reminiscent of the trials faced by early Christian martyrs who stood unwavering in their faith. They realized that gathering together provided support and courage to face their fears. Their stories remind us that in times of despair, when oppression feels overwhelming, God provides us community—not only for comfort but also for collective strength in the battle against adversity.

Isaiah 1:17 tells us to 'learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression.'

Isaiah 1:17 ESV

learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

When we see oppression, our role is to reflect God’s justice and love by being a voice for the voiceless and comforting those who are hurting."

In the account of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells a story about a man who stopped to help a beaten traveler while others walked by. This illustrates the call to action when we observe someone in distress. We, too, are often faced with moments where we must choose to intervene or ignore. Jesus teaches us that love compels us to help the oppressed rather than turn a blind eye.

Application: "Ask yourself: Are there people in my life or in my community who are suffering? How can I be a source of comfort and hope for them?"

[Read Ecclesiastes 4:4–6 aloud.]

Ecclesiastes 4:4–6 ESV

Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

II. The Futility of Envy-Driven Success

"Next, Solomon says that much of our hard work and achievements come from envy—comparing ourselves to others and trying to outdo them. But he calls this 'a striving after the wind,' meaning it’s pointless and leaves us feeling empty.

Verse 6 gives us a powerful contrast: 'Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.' In other words, it’s better to have a little with peace than to have everything and still feel restless.

Philippians 4:11–13 reminds us to find contentment in God, not in what we achieve.

Philippians 4:11–13 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Illustration: "Think about how we compare ourselves to others. Maybe it’s a neighbor who seems to have a bigger house or a better car. Or a coworker who gets the promotion we wanted. The truth is, chasing after success driven by envy will always leave us wanting more.

But when we trust God’s provision, we can stop striving and rest in the peace He gives."

Application: "Are you working to glorify God, or are you trying to keep up with others? Let go of envy and find contentment in Him."

[Read Ecclesiastes 4:7–8 aloud.] "Solomon now describes a person who works tirelessly but has no one to share their life with. He asks, 'For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?'

Ecclesiastes 4:7–8 ESV

Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.

This is the tragedy of isolation.

III. The Tragedy of Isolation

When we sacrifice relationships for the sake of success, we miss out on one of God’s greatest gifts—community.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 16:26, 'What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?'

Matthew 16:26 ESV

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

And Genesis 2:18 says, 'It is not good for man to be alone.' God designed us for relationships—with Him and with each other."

Genesis 2:18 ESV

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

In the 1800s, a famous American businessman was so devoted to building his empire that he neglected his family. One day, he returned home after years of hard work only to find his children were grown and had little interest in him. Reflecting on his choices, he realized that the wealth he accumulated could not buy back the lost moments with them. This serves as a reminder that our pursuit of success must never overshadow our relationships, the true treasures in our lives.

Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin

My child arrived just the other day He came to the world in the usual way But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay He learned to walk while I was away And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it And as he grew, he'd say "I'm gonna be like you, Dad You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you comin' home, Dad?" "I don't know when But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then"

My son turned ten just the other day He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, c'mon let's play Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today I got a lot to do", he said, "That's okay" And he, he walked away but his smile Never dimmed and said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you comin' home, Dad? "I don't know when But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then"

Well, he came from college just the other day So much like a man, I just had to say "Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?" He shook his head, and he said with a smile "What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys" "See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you comin' home, son?" "I don't know when But we'll get together then, Dad You know we'll have a good time then"

I've long since retired, my son's moved away I called him up just the other day I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind" He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time" "You see, my new job's a hassle and the kid's got the flu" "But it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad It's been sure nice talkin' to you"

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me He'd grown up just like me My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you comin' home, son? "I don't know when But we'll get together then, Dad We're gonna have a good time then"

Application: "Are you prioritizing work over the people God has placed in your life? Don’t let the pursuit of success rob you of the joy of meaningful relationships."

[Read Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 aloud.]

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 ESV

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

"Finally, Solomon shifts his focus to the importance of community. He says, 'Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.'

IV. The Value of Community

He gives three examples of why relationships matter:

Support in times of need: 'If they fall, one will lift up his fellow.'

Strength in partnership: 'A threefold cord is not quickly broken.'

Protection and comfort: Relationships provide strength and security that we can’t achieve alone.

Application: "Are you investing in the relationships God has given you? Be intentional about building a community that honors Him."

Conclusion

Oppression reveals the brokenness of life without God.

Envy-driven success leads to emptiness.Isolation robs us of the joy of relationships.

Community brings strength, comfort, and purpose.

Call to Action: "Examine your priorities. Are you chasing after things that leave you empty, or are you investing in relationships and living for God’s glory?"

Gospel Tie-In: "Jesus is the ultimate example of selfless love and community. Through His sacrifice, He invites us into a relationship with Him and with others. Let’s embrace His example and live in His grace."

Closing Prayer

"Father, thank You for the wisdom in Your Word. Help us to see the emptiness of chasing after worldly success and to value the relationships You’ve given us. Teach us to live with contentment and to build a community that reflects Your love. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, who showed us what true love and sacrifice look like. May we honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."