In one sense, it’s satisfying to see that experience echoed throughout Ecclesiastes. 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. Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12 This particular verse seems to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value. We spend all of our years bouncing through this life. A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 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. 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. 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. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! [9] Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. "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. Dreams happen for a number of reasons. Ecclesiastes 11:4. 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. [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. For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. The world is a vale of tears, even to those that have much of it. Commentary Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Verse 1-3 — It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. (1.) People have 2 main ideas about the author’s attitude: 1. For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. 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. Brother — To whom he may leave his vast estate. Breath. When life is lived without God, life is futile and meaningless. The words of the Preacher, a. Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0) S. Member. View Thread Report. Solomon followed David on the throne in Jerusalem as the only Davidic son to rule over all Israel from that city (1:12). Vanity of vanities. Only one or two are necessary, it seems. Now he proceeds to another vanity, That of honour and power. Two televisions is better than one. 2 And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. I would like to take a look at how vitally important it is for Believers to support other Believers! Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. It is better to have a little with quietness III. Even when injustice and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, we can trust Him and follow after Him (12:13–14). With Solomon as the author of the book, we know it had to have been written sometime before his death in 931 BC. 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. Verse Thoughts. "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted;" … ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 BELIEVERS SUPPORTING BELIEVERS! 4 I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a person and his neighbor. 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. Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. 14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Skip to content . Whereas — That old king is deprived of his kingdom. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. All is vanity. 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. T here is a book of the Bible that is often overlooked. We all know this. 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. Ecclesiastes 11:4, KJV: "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. (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. Keith Simons. Such a strong cord would be comparable, even superior, to many cables in use today. 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). Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. What is the book about in a nutshell? Life is destined to remain unsatisfying apart from our recognition of God’s intervention. I considered — The general disposition of common people, in all kingdoms, that they are fickle and inconstant. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 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). 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. For whom — Having no kindred to enjoy it. ◄ Ecclesiastes 4:6 ► Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. In this, its title, the book clearly purports to be the production of Solomon. A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Discover more resources related to Ecclesiastes. (1a) The Preacher. Aug 10, 2004 #1. Because — Both have great benefit by such conjunction, whereby they support, encourage, and strengthen one another. Log In (opens new window) Search JW.ORG. Ecclesiastes 4 New International Version (NIV) Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. This particular verse seems to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value. Ecclesiastes 4 is the fourth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. All the power is on the side of the oppressors. Wait, vanity? Two — Who live together in any kind of society. 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. SHOW MENU. Ecclesiastes 1 – The Vanity of Life A. Explain Ecclesiastes 4:12. Mirth. (Verse 9-12.) Maybe. 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). Ecclesiastes 1 Commentary: First of all, let’s discover what the message of the book of Ecclesiastes is. All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), indicating the utter futility and meaninglessness of life as he saw it. IT BREEDS ENVY IN OTHERS (4) 1. 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. 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. In this case too, he concludes that kingly power confers no lasting happiness. 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. 5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. Ultimately, the great truth of Ecclesiastes lies in the acknowledgment of God’s ever-present hand on our lives. 5 months ago. the changes of royalty. Browse Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:12. For he — The poor and wise child is often advanced to the highest dignity. 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. Life Together, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Introduction In this life, I’ve found that people are a lot like bouncy balls. Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. 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. Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. Ecclesiastes 4:5 eateth his own flesh; Ecclesiastes 4:12 - threefold cord. [2] Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat.] Ecclesiastes: Bible Study and Commentary. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12. 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. Each of us must walk in the light we have. Ecclesiastes 4:9(NASB) Picture courtesy of Pixabay. [2] Why I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet … But how can one k Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NAS95S) The Hebrew word that is translated as “forever” is HOLAM. Ver. Not seen — Not felt: for as seeing good is put for enjoying it, so seeing evil is put for suffering it. This verse is a warning against procrastination. And that’s why Ecclesiastes 7:4 is true… Mourning vs. This too is vanity and striving after wind. 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 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 … 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. Therefore, we can safely identify Solomon as James 4:3 "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts." But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! One thing that causes us to dream is when we have eaten something that does not agree with us. No comforter — None afforded them pity or succour. 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. [4] Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. Others, seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more satisfaction in sloth and idleness. I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. EasyEnglish is a system of simple English designed by Wycliffe Associates (UK). (4:9). Alone — Who has none but himself to care for. The book contains philosophical speeches by a character called ' Qoheleth', composed probably between 5th to 2nd century BCE. Do not procrastinate—plunge in! They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. This too is vanity and grasping for wind B. Let’s look at the passage surrounding Ecclesiastes 4:16 to put it into context. Ecclesiastes 5:3 "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words." Heat of zeal and good affection. Ecclesiastes, like much of life, represents a journey from one point to another. This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Introduction: The Preacher, the author of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 4:9(NASB) Picture courtesy of Pixabay. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Everything is Meaningless Let’s look at what the text says. The content of Ecclesiastes reflects someone looking back on a life that was long on experience but short on lasting rewards. … 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. Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NAS95S) The Hebrew word that is translated as “forever” is HOLAM. 15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor. 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). Before them — Before the present generation. the qoheleth of the opening verse. A Bible Study in EasyEnglish (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Ecclesiastes. - AFTB. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. The fool does nothing, and consumes his own flesh 2. And bereave — Deny myself those comforts and conveniences which God hath allowed me? As king, he had the opportunity and resources to pursue the rewards of wisdom, pleasure, and work in and of themselves. Our opinion is that the second idea is right. Then he extols the virtues of having a partner. The advantages of mutual assistance. Your browser does not support JavaScript. 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. 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). I praised — I judged them less miserable. 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. The author’s attitude is complete despair OR. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. [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. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. He says it's pretty obvious that it's better to be dead than to be alive. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 (13) Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. Ecclesiastes 11:4, ESV: "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap." Journal Keep up to date with the latest news. Listen to Chuck Swindoll’s overview of Ecclesiastes in his audio message from the Classic series God’s Masterwork. Right work — All the worthy designs of virtuous men. No end — This humour of the common people hath no end, but passes from one generation to another. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. Spirit Baptized! We relate to the journey of Solomon because, for so many of us, it is our own. Envied — Instead of honour, he meets with envy and obloquy. (Verse 4-6.) This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Fall — Into any mistake, or sin, or danger. Ecclesiastes 4 Ecc 4:1 Ecc 4: Human futility greatly increased by oppression. Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. By 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. This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. 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 4:1-16—Read the Bible online or download free. 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. (15) I saw all the living who walk under the sun; They were with the second youth who stands in his place. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. HOME BIBLE TEACHINGS Show more. 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. Verse 4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. Posted on Mar 7, 2016. (Verse 7,8.) In him — They shall be as weary of the successor, though a wise and worthy prince, as their parents were of his foolish predecessor. Hear the words of Solomon that they might encourage you to place your trust solely in the Lord. 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.” Eccl. 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. Skip to table of contents. This verse is a warning against procrastination. They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Ecclesiastes shows us a man who lived through this process and came out on the other side with a wiser, more seasoned perspective. Better — More happy. Just because we do not have the complete picture is no excuse for inactivity. [13] Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of … 16 There was no end to all the people who were before them. This is not a plea for mediocrity in and of itself: it IS possible to be successful and happy -- but it is difficult. 1. [15] I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. He appears to have disgustedly turned his attention from the corrupted halls of justice to … 11. 6 One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind. "Two are better than one; because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend … בוְשַׁבֵּ֧חַ אֲנִ֛י … Ecclesiastes 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]? 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. © 2021 Insight for Living Ministries. Oppressions — Whether by princes, magistrates, or other potent persons. [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. (Verse 1-3.) 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