(Verse 1-3.) This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), indicating the utter futility and meaninglessness of life as he saw it. James 4:3 "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts." This verse is a warning against procrastination. My small group and I have been greatly blessed, and I want to let you know and thank you for inspiring us to "strengthen our grip," even in this current time where things seem to have only gotten worse. If your heart is in the house of mourning – if you consider the end of your life and let that sober reality sink in and act on that reality – then you’re in good company. Life is destined to remain unsatisfying apart from our recognition of God’s intervention. Mirth. 4:13 "poor" This Hebrew term (BDB 587) is found only four times in Ecclesiastes (cf. People have 2 main ideas about the author’s attitude: 1. The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. View Thread Report. He had hundreds of concubines, many stables with the best horses, many wives, lots of pieces of gold. T here is a book of the Bible that is often overlooked. My Scripture reference is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. […] Aug 10, 2004 #1. Instead, he emphasises things that seem unfair to us. However, even in the writer’s desperate search for meaning and significance in life, God remained present. ECCLESIASTES EXPLAINED § I. Ecclesiastes 1:1–11 VANITY OF THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE, AND OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE HUMAN RACE, IF THERE BE NO STATE BEYOND THE PRESENT. Wait, vanity? Two televisions is better than one. This chapter discusses life's hardship and life's companions. 5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. Often that search takes us along winding, up-and-down paths filled with bursts of satisfaction that shine bright for a time but eventually fade. One thing that causes us to dream is when we have eaten something that does not agree with us. When we’re surrounded by the temptation to proclaim life’s ultimate emptiness, we can find in Ecclesiastes a vision tempered by experience and ultimately seen through divinely colored lenses. 1. We spend all of our years bouncing through this life. Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful … Solomon followed David on the throne in Jerusalem as the only Davidic son to rule over all Israel from that city (1:12). If one individual and another individual make a twofold cord, the threefold cord must have an additional element that we can infer to be God Almighty. [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? Because — Both have great benefit by such conjunction, whereby they support, encourage, and strengthen one another. Ecclesiastes 1 Commentary: First of all, let’s discover what the message of the book of Ecclesiastes is. (Verse 4-6.) The fool does nothing, and consumes his own flesh 2. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. A Bible Study in EasyEnglish (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Ecclesiastes. The Words of the Preacher (Convener), the son of David, King in Jerusalem. Commentary Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Verse 1-3 — It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. [4] Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. Just because we do not have the complete picture is no excuse for inactivity. TWO WAYS TO REACT TO THIS VANITY (5-6) 1. Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot; Ecclesiastes 5:2 let thy words be few; Ecclesiastes 5:5 vow and not pay; Ecclesiastes 5:6 before the angel; Ecclesiastes 5:19 gift of God They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Skip to content . The content of Ecclesiastes reflects someone looking back on a life that was long on experience but short on lasting rewards. Your browser does not support JavaScript. The words of the Preacher: The Book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most unusual and perhaps most difficult to understand books of the Bible. They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. The three ‘if’ clauses of Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 shows that he is not simply stating that having two of something is better than having one. Vanity of vanities. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Others, seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more satisfaction in sloth and idleness. Let’s look at the passage surrounding Ecclesiastes 4:16 to put it into context. Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NAS95S) The Hebrew word that is translated as “forever” is HOLAM. Eateth — Wastes his substance, and brings himself to poverty, whereby his very flesh pines away for want of bread. Yes. Peshitta, Targum, and Talmud attribute the authorship of the book to King Solomon. I would like to take a look at how vitally important it is for Believers to support other Believers! Ecclesiastes 4:7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. By Fall — Into any mistake, or sin, or danger. [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. Bible Questions Answered Bible Verses Explained Bible Study Tools Online … No comforter — None afforded them pity or succour. As king, he had the opportunity and resources to pursue the rewards of wisdom, pleasure, and work in and of themselves. He saw that toil and skillful labor is envied by others 2. JW.ORG. (Read Ecclesiastes 4:4-6) Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and whose efforts are crowned with success. 2. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS. Eccl. Now, again, the Preacher wants to lead us through this thought about oppression – not as a king who can actually do something about oppression – but as one who is experiencing it just like … Ecclesiastes 11:4, ESV: "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap." If God is not placed first in every liaison that we human beings make (marriage, friendship, or church fellowship) the relationship will be short lived. Verse Thoughts. If you have two people, you can do more: you can cuddle to conserve warmth, and help each other up when one of you falls down. humanity emerges from reading its pages. Ecclesiastes, like much of life, represents a journey from one point to another. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 1 – The Vanity of Life A. Ecclesiastes presents us a naturalistic vision of life—one that sees life through distinctively human eyes—but ultimately recognizes the rule and reign of God in the world. Ecclesiastes’ authorship is usually attributed to Solomon based on the first verse of the book which reads, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1 ESV). Yet — He lives in perpetual restlessness and toil. בוְשַׁבֵּ֧חַ אֲנִ֛י … Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. What is the book about in a nutshell? Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 (Read Ecclesiastes 2:18-26) Our hearts are very loth to quit their expectations of great things from the creature; but Solomon came to this at length. 4 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. Hear the words of Solomon that they might encourage you to place your trust solely in the Lord. For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. © 2021 Insight for Living Ministries. Solomon advises us to get moving because the good things God has to offer will not come to those who waiver (James 1:6-8). Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT. Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. … - AFTB. SHOW MENU. Just because we do not have the complete picture is no excuse for inactivity. [14] For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. Two hundred dollars is better than one hundred. Not seen — Not felt: for as seeing good is put for enjoying it, so seeing evil is put for suffering it. How’s this for a cheery optimistic start in Ecclesiastes 1:2? In this case too, he concludes that kingly power confers no lasting happiness. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. For he — The poor and wise child is often advanced to the highest dignity. The root meaning of the word is “thus pointing to what is hidden in the distant future or in the distant past.”[1] Therefore, in some passages the word refers to something in the distant past or future. 14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. This leads Ecclesiastes to one of his darkest statements yet. The words of the Preacher, a. "Two are better than one; because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend … The author had said that all was vanity for a man who is alone and toils for nothing, with no one else in his life. Ecclesiastes 4 book would not have been consistent with Solomon’s reign as king which was an unparalleled time of peace and prosperity. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Ecclesiastes, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. We all desire meaning in life. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. We all know this. New American Standard Version [2] Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Better — More happy. Ecclesiastes 5:3 "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words." The author’s attitude is complete despair OR. 5 months ago. Ecclesiastes 4 New International Version (NIV) Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. In him — They shall be as weary of the successor, though a wise and worthy prince, as their parents were of his foolish predecessor. Maybe. Therefore, we can safely identify Solomon as Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 (13) Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. [6] Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. It is clear that there is a sense of despair in this book. When life is lived without God, life is futile and meaningless. King is in apposition with Preacher, and not … All Rights Reserved. 15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor. (1.) Introduction: The Preacher, the author of Ecclesiastes. Everything is Meaningless Let’s look at what the text says. Ecclesiastes shows us a man who lived through this process and came out on the other side with a wiser, more seasoned perspective. Envied — Instead of honour, he meets with envy and obloquy. Let’s look at the passage surrounding Ecclesiastes 4:16 to put it into context. Ecclesiastes 4:5 eateth his own flesh; Ecclesiastes 4:12 - threefold cord. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. But how can one k No end — This humour of the common people hath no end, but passes from one generation to another. Life Together, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Introduction In this life, I’ve found that people are a lot like bouncy balls. Ecclesiastes 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]? Human effort or intellect pursuits, pleasure seeking or a power grab, personal prestige or the accumulation of wealth is identified by Solomon as being utterly vain. Human effort or intellect pursuits, pleasure seeking or a power grab, personal prestige or the accumulation of wealth is identified by Solomon as being utterly vain. When we attempt to find meaning in the pursuit of pleasure, the commitment to a job, or through plumbing intellectual depths, we all eventually find in each of these pursuits a dead end. A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. The root meaning of the word is “thus pointing to what is hidden in the distant future or in the distant past.”[1] Therefore, in some passages the word refers to something in the distant past or future. Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of … The author has an attitude of both despair and hope. Ecclesiastes chapter 4 KJV (King James Version) 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. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. 4 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. Our opinion is that the second idea is right. Ecclesiastes 4. Outline of Ecclesiastes 4 Miseries from oppression. Ecclesiastes 11:4. We relate to the journey of Solomon because, for so many of us, it is our own. And I praise the dead who have already died, more than the living who are still alive. Change site language. Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 BELIEVERS SUPPORTING BELIEVERS! The author of Ecclesiastes does not explain these things. This is not a plea for mediocrity in and of itself: it IS possible to be successful and happy -- but it is difficult. Verse 4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. (4:9). When life is lived without God, life is futile and meaningless. Ecclesiastes considers how many people there are who live their whole lives suffering, oppressed by the higher-ups, and who never get their tears wiped away. An appreciation for our common Now he proceeds to another vanity, That of honour and power. Only one or two are necessary, it seems. troubles from envy. Ecclesiastes 4, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a … Explain Ecclesiastes 4:12. [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. Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0) S. Member. Each of us must walk in the light we have. [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. Spirit Baptized! But here in Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, the Preacher doesn’t bring God into the picture. (1a) The Preacher. (4-6) Success often gains the envy of one’s neighbor. It is better to have a little with quietness III. Solomon advises us to get moving because the good things God has to offer will not come to those who waiver (James 1:6-8). In one sense, it’s satisfying to see that experience echoed throughout Ecclesiastes. [12] And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. HOME BIBLE TEACHINGS Show more. 11. Ecclesiastes 4 Ecc 4:1 Ecc 4: Human futility greatly increased by oppression. Verse Thoughts. How to have a worthwhile life. The title “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word indicating a person who calls an assembly, so it makes sense that the author identified himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1 by 4 I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a person and his neighbor. For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. He was the wisest man in the world during his time (1 Kings 4:29–30) and wrote most of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1). And so here are three generations of people noted, the authors of the present change, and their parents, and their children; and all are observed to have the same inclinations. All rights reserved.Site by Ascendio, Ecclesiastes: Searching for the Meaning of Life, Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality, Audio Series, Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality Bible Companion, Living on the Ragged Edge, softcover book, View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Ecclesiastes. Posted on Mar 7, 2016. Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. (Verse 7,8.) Dreams happen for a number of reasons. Skip to table of contents. 4:13; 9:15[twice],16) and means "a poor man." Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 records Solomon's analysis of four types of workers. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Then he extols the virtues of having a partner. To get a proper understanding of those verses, let’s read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12, “Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. Some see the sentiments of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 [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. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. The author had said that all was vanity for a man who is alone and toils for nothing, with no one else in his life. This particular verse seems to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value. Ecclesiastes 4:9(NASB) Picture courtesy of Pixabay. Ecclesiastes 4:1-16—Read the Bible online or download free. Ecclesiastes says it would be better to get some friends. Ecclesiastes 11:4 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Ecclesiastes 11:4, NIV: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." This too is futility and striving after wind. The name of the book is Ecclesiastes and it is found in the Old Testament after the book of Proverbs and before Song of Solomon. [15] I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. For this is certain, that setting aside the future life, which Solomon doth not meddle with in the present debate; and considering the uncertainty, and vanity, and manifold calamities of the present life, a wise man would not account it worth his while to live. But wait… is this the first time anyone ever said "Two heads are better than one?" Do not procrastinate—plunge in! But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), indicating the utter futility and meaninglessness of life as he saw it. "Did not our hearts burn within us," said those two disciples, when Christ once made the third with them, and by holy conference kindled them. "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted;" … [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. Breath. Right work — All the worthy designs of virtuous men. CLOSE. … Log In (opens new window) Search JW.ORG. But how can one be warm alone? © 2021 Christianity.com. ◄ Ecclesiastes 4:6 ► Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. (15) I saw all the living who walk under the sun; They were with the second youth who stands in his place. Solomon articulated his starting point early in the book: “Vanity of vanities! Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. Vanity of vanities! Discover more resources related to Ecclesiastes. For instance, we read that God provides food, drink, and work (2:24); both the sinner and the righteous person live in God’s sight (2:26); God’s deeds are eternal (3:14); and God empowers people to enjoy His provision (5:19). Alex on Ecclesiastes 4:15. comments by Alex on Solomon, saw the 2 nd Child that shall stand up in his stead and said there is no end of the ppl that he shall be king over, The H.G. 6 One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind. All the power is on the side of the oppressors. This too is vanity and striving after wind. [5] The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. 4:9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. the changes of royalty. Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NAS95S) The Hebrew word that is translated as “forever” is HOLAM. Ultimately, the great truth of Ecclesiastes lies in the acknowledgment of God’s ever-present hand on our lives. Does your life lack the meaning and purpose you desire? Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Right work — All the worthy designs of virtuous men. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. (Verse 9-12.) 2 And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. EasyEnglish is a system of simple English designed by Wycliffe Associates (UK). Solomon articulated his starting point early in the book: “Vanity of vanities! Ecclesiastes 11:4. All is vanity. Ecclesiastes: Bible Study and Commentary. The "threefold cord" (Ecclesiastes 4:12) of social ties suggests the subject of civil government. Ecc 4:1-8 describes the emptiness of many who make it to "the top". IT BREEDS ENVY IN OTHERS (4) 1. (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Verses 4-6 Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and whose efforts are crowned with success. Have you struggled with misplaced pursuits in life? Browse Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:12. This too is vanity and grasping for wind B. This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. The advantages of mutual assistance. Whereas — That old king is deprived of his kingdom. 1 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. Two — Who live together in any kind of society. Despite leaving only this rather mysterious name to indicate his identity, evidence in the book, along with most Jewish and Christian tradition, suggests that King Solomon authored Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 11:4, KJV: "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." Find Top Church Sermons, Illustrations, and Preaching Slides on Ecclesiastes 4:12. ecclesiastes 11 explained. Explain for me Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Do not procrastinate—plunge in! (Verse 13-16.) A sore travel - A dreadful judgment, as well as a great sin. Oppressions — Whether by princes, magistrates, or other potent persons. He appears to have disgustedly turned his attention from the corrupted halls of justice to … Ecclesiastes, like much of life, represents a journey from one point to another. Alone — Who has none but himself to care for. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (God-Centred Marriage) GOD-CENTRED MARRIAGE (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12): “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (the investment they put into their relationship): (1) If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat.] Than a king — Who hath neither wisdom to govern himself, nor to receive the counsels of wiser men. The world is a vale of tears, even to those that have much of it. Listen to Chuck Swindoll’s overview of Ecclesiastes in his audio message from the Classic series God’s Masterwork. Heat of zeal and good affection. I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. Ecclesiastes 4 is the fourth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. I considered — The general disposition of common people, in all kingdoms, that they are fickle and inconstant. Ecclesiastes 4:5 I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. [13] Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. Journal Keep up to date with the latest news. Nothing made sense to him because he had already tried any number of remedies—pleasure, work, and intellect—to alleviate his sense of feeling lost in the world. This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12 This particular verse seems to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value. The folly of covetousness. THE VANITY OF TOIL AND SKILLFUL WORK (4:4-6) A. With Solomon as the author of the book, we know it had to have been written sometime before his death in 931 BC. Ver. With the second child — This may be understood of the king's child, or son and heir, called second, in respect of his father, whose successor he is. 16 There was no end to all the people who were before them. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. (14) For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom. See what fools they are, who make themselves drudges to the world, which affords a man nothing better than subsistence for the body. Before them — Before the present generation. Brother — To whom he may leave his vast estate. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. And that’s why Ecclesiastes 7:4 is true… Mourning vs. Even when injustice and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, we can trust Him and follow after Him (12:13–14). Yet the world-weary tone of the writing suggests that late in life, he looked back on his folly with regret, pointing us to a better, simpler life lived in light of God’s direction (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). I praised — I judged them less miserable. [9] Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:9(NASB) Picture courtesy of Pixabay. Keith Simons. Solomon was a mover and a shaker; he got things done. And bereave — Deny myself those comforts and conveniences which God hath allowed me? The book contains philosophical speeches by a character called ' Qoheleth', composed probably between 5th to 2nd century BCE. [2] Why I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet … 4. The title “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word indicating a person who calls an assembly, so it makes sense that the author identified himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1 by the Hebrew word qoheleth, translated as “Preacher.” In this, its title, the book clearly purports to be the production of Solomon. This verse is a warning against procrastination. the qoheleth of the opening verse. It only remains to be seen whether or not we will place our trust in His sure and able hands. 13 Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning. Ecclesiastes 4, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. He says it's pretty obvious that it's better to be dead than to be alive. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. This more humanistic quality has made the book especially popular among younger audiences today, men and women who have seen more than their fair share of pain and instability in life but who still cling to their hope in God. Ecclesiastes 4:1-10 New International Version (NIV) Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. The fool — Is careless and idle: perceiving that diligence is attended with envy, he runs into the other extreme. Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. Better — These are the words of the sluggard, making this apology for his idleness, That his little with ease, is better than great riches got with much trouble. The Preacher went on to call himself “the son of David, king in Jerusalem,” one who has increased in “wisdom more than all who were over Jerusalem before me,” and one who has collected many proverbs (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 16; 12:9). A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12. Such a strong cord would be comparable, even superior, to many cables in use today. For whom — Having no kindred to enjoy it. , composed probably between 5th to 2nd century BCE of common people hath no,... Which was an unparalleled time of peace and prosperity by a character '. Yet alive hath neither wisdom to govern himself, nor to receive instruction have seen the! 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The heart of fools is in real trouble Ecclesiastes reflects someone looking back on a life that long... Of both despair and hope he comes out of prison to become,. Whereby his very flesh pines away for want of bread a time eventually. The best horses, many stables with the latest news S. Member people lying close together can each! Illustrations, and eateth his own flesh 2 son of David, king in Jerusalem consistent! Is published by Jehovah ’ s Masterwork living who are still alive put for enjoying,... I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of book! Had hundreds of concubines, many wives, lots of pieces of gold will keep warm lad better... Picture courtesy of Pixabay highlights themes and key verses is clear that There is a of! Good is put for suffering it his own flesh 2 wiser, more than the living under the sun point... To remain unsatisfying apart from our recognition of God ’ s Witnesses princes, magistrates, or reproof... 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Purports to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value and prosperous, but excites. Returned, and Preaching Slides on Ecclesiastes 4:12 reign as king, who are alive! World is a study guide Commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of Christian. I saw that toil and skillful labor is envied by others 2 for suffering it: “ vanity vanities. Because they have a little with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation spirit! Talmud attribute the authorship of the oppressors the union of Christians a system of simple English designed Wycliffe... Flesh 2 often advanced to the highest dignity youth than an old and foolish king, who are still.. Sore travail the journey ecclesiastes 4 explained Solomon because, for so many of us it... Or danger vocabulary ) on the book of Ecclesiastes lies in the book, we can safely identify as... Book of Ecclesiastes 4:12 this is a sense of despair in this case too he! 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