Ecclesiastes 4:7-16

Last week we went over the first two parts of chapter 4, Oppression and Envy. This week we are going over the other two, Isolation or loneliness, and that it is no better even for those at the top, even kings of men. Verse 7 is short and is a repeated sentiment from earlier chapters but also from 4:1, “Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun” and 7, “Again, I saw vanity under the sun” Then verse 8 tells of how it is vanity to work but have no one to be with or share it with. Then verses 9 -12 go one to tell how better it is to have someone with you. Some may interpret verse 11 to be alluding to one spouse when it says that if two lie together they keep warm, but that is not necessarily what that verse may mean as the rest of the surrounding verses seem to be pointing to more of a brother/friend or business type of partner. Also it was not uncommon and was wise to not travel alone to avoid robbers on your journey and if traveling over night, to sleep close to one another for warmth. Then verse 12s end saying that there is strength in numbers.

Verses 13-16 are the tale of two kings and that for both after time they will not be remembered. One was an old but foolish ruler, the other rose from poverty and prison to rule after the old but foolish king. But even though he rose above what would have been expected of him to become king, after his reign and time had passed no one remembered him either. Solomon saying that even it you stive for upward mobility in life and get to what you may think is the highest you can achieve, or perhaps even higher than you think possible, this is still temporary and futile and your worldly deeds and achievements will fade in the memory of fallen man.

7-12 Isolation or loneliness

13-16 No good even at the top

7-8

Ecclesiastes 4:7–8 “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.”

After the introspective end to verse 6 and saying it is better to be content and at peace with what God has given you, even if it is but a little bit, that to be constantly grabbing at more and more with both hands but remain empty and anxious. He adds with verse 7 that there is yet still more vanity here. Loneliness and isolation is not good and is not how God intended us to be. God saw that after creating man that he had no one to help him, so he made Eve to be with Adam, Genesis 2:18 “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”” Of course this was God’s plan all along, He knew that when He created man that he was going to create woman as well, but through God’s wisdom in Genesis he tells us that even though there are some animals that are helpful and can be companions for us, our true and only real equals are one another. We were not made to be alone all the time, we need others in our lives to share our stories, our troubles, our riches which does not automatically mean money. Our talents, our personalities, our humor, our knowledge, all the things that make us who we are are our riches and any way you think about it, it’s better to share this with others and be happy than keeping all that we have closed up, and private, and alone.

9

Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

10

Ecclesiastes 4:10 “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!”

11

Ecclesiastes 4:11 “Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?”

12

Ecclesiastes 4:12 “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

13

Ecclesiastes 4:13 “Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.”

14

Ecclesiastes 4:14 “For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.”

15

Ecclesiastes 4:15 “I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place.”

16

Ecclesiastes 4:16 “There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”