Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 presents marriage as teamwork, and reminds us how marriage is strengthened with God at the core. Solomon says that when two or more work together for a common purpose that they will have a good return for their labor. Traditionally, the Bible venerates marriage between a man and a woman. It will be in heaven, too. He will, like us, have many more choices in the future to affirm this truth. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devilLet no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, 5. WebIn any case, we will find that great marriages have a deeper trust in Gods plan. Somehow a greater return will come from the situationeven if it takes a miracle. Let me give you an example of this. A marriage is especially strong if it is more than a bond between just two people. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 presents marriage as teamwork, and reminds us how marriage is strengthened with God at the core. Do you, as a wife, submit yourself to your husband? Theres actually a small shift in these four verses, a glimpse of real hope. So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Life is better when theres more than one of us. English Standard Version. The pressures and risks in a startup are many, but in the end we must remember it is just another place God wants to make himself known. Never give up in your marriage or in the marriage of the people around you that you love. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. WebTwo are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: New Living Translation. And likely do not wrestle with to the extent Solomon does. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12presents marriage asteamwork, and reminds us how marriage is strengthened with God at the core. Read full chapter Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 5 New International Version (NIV) A good marriage is good, but a great marriage is How Can We Overcome Doubt and Believe the Miracle of Easter? Of course, just stating that a group is a team helps but does not, in and of itself, create a good working team. To be alone isnt necessarily seen as negative, but when you add another person to your life the situation is usually better. The Christian must live by faith in Gods promises. Solomon transitions into a pragmatic commentary likely spurred by the story of the lonely workaholic. Berean Standard Bible. He humbled himself and by doing so prospered the others. In moments of despair, its far better to have someone alongside you to encourage you and to combat the lies or negative thoughts that fight for your attention. Berean Standard Bible. Marriage exists because God observed that it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him (Gen. 2:18-24). The Message (MSG). We believe that more good can come from many of us working interdependently rather than a number of uncoordinated and uncommitted individuals. He has invested a lot in the company. A community. In fact He has revealed His inner nature as being 3 Persons (Father, Son and Spirit) intertwined together in one (as one Being), bound together in unity in perfect Love, just like a rope of 3 strands. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-12 The Message 9-10 Its better to have a partner than go it alone. All throughout the New Testament, God is calling the body of Christ to display his glory and to share his message. My pursuit of excellent service is shaped by concern for those around me. But how can one keep warm alone? A team will always be stronger than an individual. Ephesians 4:25-32encourages couples tocommunicate honestlyand let go of negative feelings after an issue has been addressed. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Everything is meaningless! The writer is searching for significance and meaning in life. 11 Things You Need To Know About Your Preacher Dewayne Bryant, Ph.D. The Lord Has Made Known His Salvation Kenneth Moore. Colossians 3:16-17reminds couples toworship togetherand foster each others faith journeys. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. This is the view held by many scholars, but its not the only view. Read full chapter Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 5 New International Version (NIV) Let me give you an example of this. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. God has brought this team concept, the synergy of spirit, into two particular institutions foundational for human civilization: marriage and the church. The purpose is for each believer to serve as part of the whole. But how can one keep warm alone? The Lord then used this tight time to reveal His love through this CEO and test and train the CEO. It is within the context of relationships with shared unity in God that the bond is even stronger. By their vows each promises to lay their own life down for the other, an absolute commitment to love the other person, independant of their performance. Two are better than one. God himself is a relational God. We can trust Him even if we do not see it right away. Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. Bible Q&A: Did Satan Know That Jesus Would Rise From The Grave? Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Home / Commentary / Ecclesiastes / Ecclesiastes Chapter 4 / Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Alone, you shiver all night. Here is a man who is trying to practice his faith in real life. If church leaders do not have this concept well embedded in their soul, then despite all the team talk, they will selfishly act independently and hurt each other. Each individual needs to be committed to the joint task, but also to that of working with and valuing the contributions of others. The beginning of this book starts out very bleakly as the author is almost shouting at the reader, Meaningless! But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! We must be willing to make sacrifices in our great life pursuits; for our spouse, for our children, and for others. Each of us are like a living stone. A married couples faith helps them look beyond their spouses problem and increasingly toward Gods greater work. Denomination: Baptist Each becomes a setting for a persons choices. Web Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. var addy46084 = 'obc.church' + '@'; Solomon is speaking of that synergy of spirit that happens when people are living with the same common purpose. Solomon transitions into a pragmatic commentary likely spurred by the story of the lonely workaholic. Jesus said, The two shall become one flesh; consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh (Mark 10:8). But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Bible Q&A: How Could The Early Church Stay Faithful Under The Reigns of RomanEmperors? Be devoted to one another in love. He sure is! At the foundation of great leadership training is the concept that others have an important contribution to make. One brother, not from here, is involved in a startup company. Sometimes the pull of success helps people overcome their selfish goals, but the real attitude needed to fuel a team is Christs Spirit. He valued the livelihood of the others more than his own. The author of Ecclesiastes says all other pursuits in life will leave you empty-handed and longing for more. Solomon concludes with an exhortation that lifes fulfillment is found in following Gods ways, for it is He who will determine the meaning of all deeds in His final judgement. It will be strong, stable and full of love. He sure is!

Share the work, share the wealth. But I have allowed other values to shape my thinking. This is much of the thread that is followed throughout the first four chapters, until we arrive at verse 9-12. He knew more could be done with them than without them. The question is whether the couple live as one. The response to their weakness is to offer your strength to fill that gap. Did you ever realize that this synergistic spirit was behind the way Jesus raised up a team? You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The image is explained in Ecclesiastes 4:12, A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. The three-strand cord is understood to be unity between yourself, God, and another person. We find that if we value those around us, they and their welfare become important as our end goals. But how can one keep warm alone? A twofold As image-bearers of the Triune God, we too are meant to live in community with others. It is because they have a good return on their labor. The Bible calls us to stay in unity with one another, to lift each other up, to encourage each other, and even to bear one anothers burdens. This does not mean that it might not be a special burden or vision that God has given to us. This is an unconditional Covenant Love, that they vow to give each other, making Marriage stronger than all other relationships. It is the same as other areas of our lives. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. One brother was involved in a startup company. Its only the pursuit of loving God and loving others that will truly give you fulfillment and purpose in life. This truth, then, shapes the way I do something. Many allude to two are better than one referring to marriage. He begins by stating, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor ( Ecclesiastes 4:9 ). Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. The statement of two being better than one is true in many different life circumstances all across time. Oppression is bad. This faith helps both spouses look behind their spouses problem and more toward Gods greater work. Solomons conclusion is dark but real: neither meaning nor purpose can be discerned through human reason and experience. If you work at giving your strength where they are weak, you will recieve a good return from their strength.Return 2: Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace., 4. One of the most fascinating books of Scripture, Ecclesiastes sets out on a difficult but foundational taskreconciling the human longing to discover and understand, to find meaning and purpose, with the practical realities of being a finite creature in a world created by an infinite being. Tamara Chamberlain and her husband Dale are authors and speakers who are passionate about loving and serving Jesus together. As the CEO, he has invested a lot in the company and employed a number of people. read more Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Acts 18:1-26. He had hundreds of concubines, many stables with the best horses, many wives, lots of pieces of gold. WebTwo are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: New Living Translation. If we hurt any, then we are defiling the whole temple of God where God dwells. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-12 meaning. Solomon points out the foolishness of laziness and how it is better to be relatively poor with quiet contentment than to work too much to acquire lots of wealth that wont satisfy you in the end (vs. 5-6). When we reject the help and influence of others, life takes on significant burden and hardship. When Solomon sees reality firsthand, it causes him to turn to God, and find fulfillment. That is because it is truth taught in the Word of God that, Two are better than one. When anyone utilizes this truth, they will be blessed. read more Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Acts 18:1-26. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Bible Q&A: What Does If Anyone Is Hungry, Let Him Eat At HomeMean? Check out the BFF Resource Center where this and many hundreds of articles can be found in printable form (pdf) and If two lie down together they will keep warm. The Problem With Calvinism's Doctrine of Unconditional Election. We should caution ourselves from making a quick interpretation of the verse. Two are better than one. Without a foundation of faith, life has no meaning. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Reflection None of us are meant to journey through life alone. (See more on this in our free Building a Great Marriage! 2022 Biblical Foundations for Freedom. Each person must be convinced of their part in the whole, or the church will be weak. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Alone, you shiver all night. Up to seven times?Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven., 6. This went against what he liked, but he chose to live for all rather than live for self. Ecclesiastes: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom & Psalms by Craig Bartholomew. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. No doubt, he like many of us would have said, that his life goals were Gods will. (3) Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Two are better than one (if they are united that is!). Read full chapter Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 5 New International Version (NIV) Taskmasters get this done by authority and threat. WebThe husband and wife are two distinct people with their own wills and desires, but in marriage, a special synergy takes place that creates more than what they would each have by themselves. Hebrews 13:4reminds couples to begratefulfor what they have, rather than always wanting more. There are many building blocks to a Christ-centered marriage. Now let us take a close look at what is said here in Ecclesiastics 4:9. Whether it be a spouse, a family member, a good friend, or even a care-giver, God has placed people in our lives to help us better see His goodness and love. But how can one keep warm alone? A strong marriage is largely built on this truth and the individual spouses commitment to their role in carrying out this truth. The patient, teachable reader will discover truth, hope, and challenge within these chapters. This does not mean that it might be a special burden or vision that God has given to us. Love can make a marriage strong, but the marriage will become even stronger when a husband and wife worship Jehovah. CodeoStudio, At the Millenniums End (Revelation 20:1-10), Enduring My Sufferings: A 1 Peter Study on Suffering, Isaiah 41:14-15 Enjoying My Vulnerabilities, Matthew 24:36 That Day and Hour A practical interpretation with Study Questions, John 15:16 Fruit That Remain With Study Questions, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Selecting Godly Church Leadership with Bible Study Questions, 2Thessalonians 1:11-12 The Ultimate Design, MGL1 Isaiah 52:13-53:12, An Overview of The Making of a Godly Leader, Philippians 2:12-13 The Purpose and Means of Christian Discipleship. | New International Version (NIV) | These are general life circumstances, but thats because this truth can really be applied to any part of your life. A strong marriage is largely built on this truth and the individual spouses commitment to their role in carrying out this truth. In moments of failure, its far better to have another person beside you to walk through the pain with and to help get you back on your feet. document.getElementById('cloak46084').innerHTML = ''; Start FREE. Now we must avail themselves of His love to build our lives together.Thus, for a truly successful Marriage, we are not just to wrap ourselves around each other, but around the Living God, whose strength will fill up our weakness when we are weary. Each person must be convinced of their part in the whole or the church will be weak. What is discovered is that human reason and experience is inadequate to find purpose. The way something is done is as at least as important to what is being done. They love having conversations and creating community around the abundant life that Jesus promised us. Cant people do things in unloving ways to get a worthy task accomplished? Here is the take away idea I see in todays scripture: FROM GOOD TO GREAT. WebMarriage, of course, involves the closest of friendships. Solomon advocates for the benefit of human communitywhat we can do when we work together rather than against one another or alone. My attitude toward my boss is more important than just working on that project for him. God is Love (1John 4:8). They might both have the same amount of people, but they are very different. Alone, you shiver all night. My attitude toward my boss is more important than just working on that project for him. Meaningless! addy46084 = addy46084 + 'yahoo' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk'; And this certainly can be applied to the partnership within marriage, but it is by no means limited to the union of marriage. Abraham had a worthy goal of being a great father for God, but his reliance on his own resources made his sexual intimacy with Hagar twisted and not in conformity to Gods will. Let me ask you, what is the difference between a team and a group of people? Look at the Word of God. If anyone could use reason to discover meaning through life experiences, it would be Solomon. Two are better than one. What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:18)? 11 Two in a bed warm each other. I am unwilling to compromise on this one thing in order to secure work hours. A weakness in the other is not for you to judge and feel superior, but is instead an opportunity to show your love in giving help. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-10 New International Version 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. He pursued his life rather than Gods will. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV. Let me ask you what is the difference between a team and a group of people? NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NIV, The Woman's Study Bible, Full-Color, Red Letter: Receiving God's Truth for Balance, Hope, and Transformation, NIV, Lucado Encouraging Word Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Revelation, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Luke, Comfort Print. He knew more could be done with them than without them. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on (literally: intertwine themselves around) the Lord will renew their strength (and love). 12By yourself youre unprotected.With a friend you can face the worst.Can you round up a third?A three-stranded rope isnt easily snapped. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-12 meaning. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Great marriages trust in Gods plan. What does it mean to be overrighteous and overwise (Ecclesiastes 7:16)? Theres absolutely no way I would have been able to rank second in a competition like this without the help of my partner. The world has tried to take advantage of this concept by developing teams. | New International Version (NIV) | If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Whatever your marriage is like today, it may be different tomorrow. This is the kind of love that God has for us. Do you, as a husband, understand that God often tries to help you through your wife? The two speaks not just of a couple such as a married couple but of a relationship between individuals. If we rely solely on human reason and experience, we only find futility and madness. Whatever your marriage is like today, it may be different tomorrow. Whatever hardships we face, our Marriage will be a success, if we turn to God in the good and bad times, asking for His help and to fill us with His Love, and then respond to each other consistently in unconditional Love. Like when two people are sitting and clasp hands to propel each other to their feet. Do you share with your wife? All rights reserved. We should caution ourselves from making a quick interpretation of this verse. Each of us is like a living stone. He pursued his life rather than Gods will. (Eccl 4:10) If one falls down, his friend can help him up. He could have just fired one or two employees or lessened their salary.

He later told me that about six months later, God turned things around and things prospered. WebThe husband and wife are two distinct people with their own wills and desires, but in marriage, a special synergy takes place that creates more than what they would each have by themselves. Bible Q&A: Why Are Christians Punished Worse Than the Unbeliever? When this perspective of Gods truth becomes established in our lives, then the church is strong. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Solomon says that when two or more work together for a common purpose that they will have good return for their labor. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. If we give it then when we need it they will be disposed to also give it to us (the good return)!Return 3: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves (v12). Two is the minimum number needed for this relationship, and so it is used to describe what Solomon is speaking of. He begins by stating, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor ( Ecclesiastes 4:9 ). Share the work, share the wealth. This faith helps both spouses look behind their spouses problem and more toward Gods greater work. Solomon advocates for the benefit of human community what we can do when we work together rather than against one another or alone. Solomon invites us on a great journey of discovery. However, if we begin with faith, we can effectively use our human faculties to realize wisdom and fulfillment. 6 A good marriage can be the closest of friendships between two people who help, comfort, and protect each other. How important is your wifes perspective on things? Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. You might not remember it. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. Though there are different viewpoints on authorship of this book, the most commonly-held view by scholars is that of King Solomon. When we work together for a common cause, valuing and treasuring those close to us, then what we do will flourish. Two televisions is better than one. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. It is the same as other areas of our lives. Yes, no doubt, he like many of us would say, that degree, that life, that goal is Gods will. Love does not keep a list of their faults and failures, for both bring strengths and weaknesses to the relationship. The members sincerely care about the others. The traditional view has been called into question based on some scholars believing this book was written after the death of King Solomon. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Romans 12:9-16encourages us tohonorour spouses. Bible Q&A: Does Romans 13 Apply to CorruptGovernments? 12And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. Something better will happen. Solomon transitions into a pragmatic commentary likely spurred by the story of the lonely workaholic. Its not only on this side of eternity that community will be the central focus of life. Copyright 2023. I need not fear. However, the principles laid out in these verses in the context of talking about the value of having friends in the workplace also have application to marriage. WebEcclesiastes 4:9-12 meaning. Behind the church concept, we have many are one concept. document.getElementById('cloak46084').innerHTML += ''+addy_text46084+'<\/a>'; Many allude to two are better than one referring to marriage.

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