Ecclesiastes 4

Ecclesiastes 4 reflects on the hardships and injustices of life. The writer, often attributed to Solomon, observes the oppression that exists in the world, the vanity of selfish ambition, and the loneliness that accompanies a life lived without companionship. The chapter also highlights the value of community and cooperation. The final verses discuss the fleeting nature of power and popularity. It’s a reflection on the futility of striving for success in a world filled with oppression and envy.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—On the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.
2 Therefore I praised the dead who were already dead, more than the living who are still alive.
3 Yet, better than both is he who has never existed, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

The Preacher observes the widespread oppression in the world, where the oppressed cry without a comforter, and the oppressors wield all the power. This lack of justice leads the writer to conclude that those who are already dead are better off than the living because they no longer face the suffering of this world. In an even more extreme view, he declares that those who have never been born are luckier still, as they haven’t witnessed the cruelty and evil that exist.

Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
6 Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

Here, the writer points out that much of human labor and success stems from rivalry and envy. People work hard, not for personal satisfaction, but to outdo their neighbors, which ultimately leads to emptiness. The lazy person who refuses to work, symbolized by folding hands, destroys himself. In contrast, finding balance—a modest amount of work with contentment—is preferable to endless striving that only leads to stress and dissatisfaction.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:
8 There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.

The Preacher reflects on the vanity of working endlessly for wealth without anyone to share it with. The man described here is isolated, with no family or friends, yet he works tirelessly, driven by an insatiable desire for more. He never pauses to question the purpose of his labor, making his life an empty pursuit of material gain. This is portrayed as a tragic and meaningless existence.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV)
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The writer extols the virtues of companionship and community. Two people working together can accomplish more and help each other in times of need. Whether it’s physical help, warmth, or protection, being in the company of others provides strength and security. The mention of a "threefold cord" emphasizes that cooperation and solidarity create resilience and stability in life, far more than what one person can achieve alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 (NKJV)
13 Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.
14 For he comes out of prison to be king, although he was born poor in his kingdom.
15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun; they were with the second youth who stands in his place.
16 There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

The chapter closes with a reflection on the fleeting nature of power and popularity. A poor and wise youth is deemed better than an old king who no longer accepts advice. Even though the youth may rise from humble beginnings, ultimately, the cycle of admiration fades, and the next generation will not remember or celebrate him. This underscores the theme that worldly success and recognition are temporary, reinforcing the vanity of chasing after such things.