1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom and reflections written by King Solomon, who was known for his great wisdom and wealth. In chapter 4, Solomon continues to explore the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. He reflects on the vanity and futility of human toil and the emptiness of worldly success. This chapter also delves into the importance of companionship and the dangers of isolation. Through his musings, Solomon ultimately reveals the true meaning of life and the key to finding contentment and fulfillment.
The chapter begins with Solomon's observation that "So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter." (Ecclesiastes 4:1). He sees the injustice and oppression in the world and realizes that even the pursuit of success and wealth can lead to emptiness and despair. He then goes on to say, "Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 4:2-3). This may seem like a bleak outlook, but Solomon is highlighting the vanity of toil and the fleeting nature of worldly success.
He continues to explain that people often work tirelessly to accumulate wealth and possessions, but in the end, they cannot take any of it with them when they die. He says, "Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit." (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Despite all their efforts, their wealth and accomplishments are ultimately forgotten and meaningless.
Solomon also observes the loneliness and isolation that often comes with pursuing success. He says, "Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail." (Ecclesiastes 4:7-8). This person may have all the wealth and success they could want, but without companionship and relationships, their life is still empty and unfulfilling.
After reflecting on the vanity of toil, Solomon turns his attention to the importance of companionship. He says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Solomon recognizes that having someone to share life with and to support you in times of need is far more valuable than any amount of wealth or success.
He also acknowledges the benefits of working together and the power of unity. He says, "Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12). This passage not only speaks to the physical benefits of companionship but also the emotional and spiritual strength that comes from having a strong support system.
Ecclesiastes chapter 4 is a thought-provoking and insightful reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. Through his observations and musings, King Solomon reveals the vanity and futility of worldly success and the importance of companionship and relationships. He ultimately points readers towards the true meaning of life - living with purpose, embracing both joy and sorrow, and finding contentment in God's sovereignty. This chapter serves as a reminder to not get caught up in the pursuit of temporary pleasures and fleeting success, but to focus on what truly matters and to live a life that brings glory to God.
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