Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. We believe that more good can come from many of us working interdependently rather than a number of uncoordinated and uncommitted individuals. 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. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Context. Abraham had a worthy goal of being a great father for God, but his compromise and reliance on his own resources made his sexual intimacy with Hagar turned it not into God’s will. Why or why not. Well, first of all, generally speaking, two get more done than one. Notice how Paul spoke to the church when they were getting a bit divisive. Verse Thoughts When life is lived without God, life is futile and meaningless. 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. He later told me that about six months later, God turned things around and things prospered. 4. They afford each other protection and help, and mutually render life agreeable. Unite Your people together in the bond of peace and may we be a living testimony to the goodness and grace of God and work together for the furtherance of the gospel - this I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN. Jesus said, “The two shall become one flesh;consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Mark 10:8). Solomon says that when two or more work together for a common purpose that they will have good return for their labor. Task masters get this done by authority and threat. When life is lived without God, life is futile and meaningless. Each becomes a setting for a person’s choices. The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. He sure is! We allow the close cooperation of others because we believe there is greater good that can come out of it. Our God is a relational God, and He has made us to be part of a family and members of society.. and we see in this verse a contrast between those whose lives are motivated by the futility of envy.. or isolated by selfish greed and inappropriate incentives, as opposed to the comfort, help, encouragement and reward, which is gained in trusted friendships or a reliable partner in time of need. Chapter 4 deals mainly with the inequalities of life and Solomon bemoans the terrible acts of oppression, the shocking discrimination and the lust to control the minds of others, by certain individuals... that seemed to characterise the days of Solomon, and is so prevalent in today's society. Do people do things in unloving ways to get their task accomplished? It was Solomon who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes and although he was a king with wisdom, and his wealth outstripped every other mortal being, he was a man who lost his spiritual direction over time, because of the carnal choices he made - and consequently he lived a defeated life. Each person must be convinced of their part in the whole or the church will be weak. But the church is dependent on volunteers. The ‘two’ speaks not just of a couple such as a married couple but of a relationship between individuals. When the startup was in a very shaky way, he realized that there was not enough money for everybody’s salary. I don’t know how it happened either. I enjoy reading verses 9–12. He has employed a number of people. Ecclesiastes 4:9, KJV: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Two televisions is better than one. Although the benefits of intimacy with another person outweigh the disadvantages of isolation, this is a truth that is particularly pertinent in Christian circles, where we are called to live with one another in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It is the same as other areas of our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:5. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. God chose to dwell in His people as one. If not, why? 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. King James Version Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9. Do you the wife submit yourself to your husband? (See more on this in our free Building a Great Marriage! Now let us take a close look at what is said here in Ecclesiastics 4:9. We can be confident that it is always better to care about others than simply trying to get what one can from life. Behind the family concept, is the “two are one” concept of marriage. Solomon reminds us that our Creator God has made everything beautiful in its time and has set eternity in the human heart. The important lesson of Ecclesiastes is that no amount of learning, experience, wealth, privilege, or power, can compare with the secure position we have in Christ - but that when wisdom, skill, prosperity, and power, are under God's sovereign influence and subject to His control, then life has meaning. This verse becomes a promise to inspire hope and encourage us to make the right decisions in life. He is in fact the CEO. Enjoy life for what it is: a gift from the hand of God. The divine Godhead is the greatest team. He reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything in life and he recorded his important conclusion about the meaning of life, in chapter 12, where he declared, "the end of the whole matter is this - fear God and keep His commandments". I considered again more seriously Let me give you an example of this. We are the Body of Christ and although there are many members, we are one body... each with his or her unique part to play and all are called to consider others before ourselves. Of covetousness and selfishness, Ecclesiastes 4:7,8. Does God care about startups? God uses members of Christ's body to compliment the gifts and graces of other brothers and sisters and to offer encouragement and support. When I am faithful, I trust God to prosper me otherwise. This faith helps both spouses look behind their spouse’s problem and more toward God’s greater work. Amidst a constant outpouring of lamentations in Ecclesiastes, where he complains.. "Life is meaningless. - AFTB. Behind great leadership training is the concept that others have an important contribution to the task. Title. When I value those around me, I pay attention to them as God desires. God has brought this team concept, the synergy of spirit, into two particular institutions that stand foundational for human civilization: marriage and the church. I have made some decisions as a worker and father. Each individual needs not only to be committed to the joint task but also to that of working with and valuing the contributions of others. Two are better than one. When we work together for a common cause, valuing and treasuring those close to us, then what we do will flourish. Is He concerned with how the people in the startup work together? May we work together for the furtherance of the gospel and work the works of God, in the unity of the Spirit, while it is still day. We all know this. Allow me to ask a few questions on husband and wife relationships. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. This is what he missed despite the many projects he completed. In any case, we will find that great marriages have a deeper trust in God’s plan. Ecclesiastes 4:9-6:10. 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. If we hurt any, then we are defiling the whole temple of God where God dwells. The poor better than foolish kings, Ecclesiastes 4:13. oftentimes, as in this article, in powerpoint too. Ecclesiastes 4:9 'Two are Better Than One' is part of a larger expository study on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which shows what Solomon meant by 'the two are better … Solomon is speaking of that synergy of spirit that happens when people are living with the same common purpose. Do you share with your wife? 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. A greater reward will come from the hard work. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Treasury of Scripture Knowing. Ecclesiastes is a phonetic transliteration of the Greek word Ἐκκλησιαστής (Ekklesiastes), which in the Septuagint translates the Hebrew name of its stated author, Kohelet (קֹהֶלֶת). If God is in the center of one’s worldview, the pursuits of life can be put in their proper place, not offering meaning for life, but offering enjoyment. They see value in it. As Christians we are all individuals, with our own God-given tasks and responsibilities, but we are one body that is called to live and work in partnership with one another, which is much more productive and profitable than toiling alone. 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. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 King James Version << Ecclesiastes 3 | Ecclesiastes 4 | Ecclesiastes 5 >> 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. Shared successes and shared sorrows not only gives greater encouragement and is edifying, it is how we are called to live in this world by our heavenly Father. In Genesis, God said, “It is … This person said it best. The project in the end will be gone. But pity anyone who falls . Of course, just stating that a group is a team helps but does not, in and of itself, create a good working team. I am unwilling to compromise on one thing in order to obtain what I think is best. But how can one keep warm alone? That CEO in the end not only got his salary, but befriended those he worked with. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. When Christ sent his disciples out to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel they were sent two by two - "for two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour... and the two men on the road to Emmaus is another reminder that during times of discouragement and pain, God always provides the support we need. When God is excluded, then the enemy has full sway in a life. 6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Somehow a greater return will come from the situation–even if it takes a miracle. Nichelle Burgess-Kiper's answer to What does Ecclesiastes 4 mean? The world has tried to take advantage of this concept by developing teams. And then we get into Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. The first pair of people in biblical history came about through the need for companionship. Now as the CEO, he should get the first pickings, but he decided he would lead as a servant-leader. He chose to sacrifice his own. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-11, Matthew 18:19, Psalms 133:1-3. Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of … He had these. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. When this perspective of God’s truth becomes established in our lives, then the church is strong. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. We might not know how, but we trust God, maintain that relationship and continue on in hope. He showed the Spirit of Christ right in his situation. A strong marriage is largely built on this truth and the individual spouse’s commitment to their role in carrying out this truth. The two in this verse form a contrast to the one without second in Ecclesiastes 4:8. We are willing to make sacrifices to our great pursuits of life for our spouse, our children, for others. Two is better than one. I could easily say that the more I work, the better the results. One brother, not from here, is involved in a startup company. This truth, then, shapes the way I do something. My pursuit of excellent service is shaped by concern for those around me. … 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. Check out the BFF Resource Center where this and many hundreds of articles can be found in printable form (pdf) and Two is the minimum number needed for this relationship and so it is used to describe what Solomon is speaking of. We have talked abut the first truth from this verse, but there is another that we have already alluded to–the blessing. Explain for me Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT This verse talks about strength in numbers with two or more people together being stronger (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). The Lord then used this tight time to reveal His love through this CEO and test and train the CEO. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Heavenly Father, thank You for this simple truth that impacts our lives that two are better than one.. and for the privilege we have, as the body of Christ, to support and encourage one another in the work that You have given us to do. Also my wisdom remained with me. 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. When you do things God’s ways, he brings about a good return. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 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. All on one BFF Biblical Training Library! and has no one to help them up. Marriage As It's Meant To Be Series Contributed by Brian Bill on May 21, 2020 | 3,115 views. 1 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. 4 It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. We should caution ourselves from making a quick interpretation of this verse. He could have just fired a couple or lessened their salary. We can trust Him even if we do not see it right away. This does not mean that it might be a special burden or vision that God has given to us. Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. Something better will happen. seminar!). 2 It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. 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. He ignored God's word and went his own way, which brought him to the brink of despair, when he should have been enjoying a victorious and spiritually satisfying life. Each of us are like a living stone. This went against what he liked, but he chose to live for all rather than live for self. Here is a man who is trying to practice his faith in real life. Yes, no doubt, he like many of us would say, that degree, that life, that goal is God’s will. Sometimes the pull of success helps people overcome their selfish goals, but the real attitudes needed to fuel a team is Christ’s Spirit. Do you as husband understand that God often tries to help your through your wife? Solomon, essentially, was denouncing the value of getting what he wanted in life with disregard of those around him. This CEO made his choices. Below is a discipleship training course designed to build relationships. 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. But whether you loved and respected that boss at that given moment becomes an eternal matter. 7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. You might not remember it. The benefits of mutual support lies in stark contrast to the previous verse, which points out that a selfish, miserly person is devoid of companionship and likely to become a bitter, isolated individual, who harbours a spirit of discouragement and discontent.. as opposed to being in fellowship with a companion, which is more profitable than being alone. He will, like us, have many more choices in the future to affirm this truth. Each person has a special task that God had for him or her alone, but the question is whether the individual would compromise God’s ways to get what they think God wanted. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. The people never contented, but rejoicing in changes, Ecclesiastes 4:15,16. (4-6) Success often gains the envy of one’s neighbor. He didn’t use this word but this is what he was doing. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. We have a worship time each day. Give me grace and wisdom to hold the things of this world lightly and to consider the needs of others before my own. "Vanity and empty effort" are not usually predicated of labours winch are morally worthless, but of such as bring no advantage (compare Ecclesiastes 2:17). All the time. … How important is your wife’s perspective on things? The members sincerely care about the others. The advantage of society and friendship, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Two hundred dollars is better than one hundred. He knew more could be done with them than without them. I need not fear. He humbled himself and by doing so prospered the others. Denomination: Assembly Of God. The Christian must live by faith in God’s promises. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIV: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:" Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil." Behind the church concept, we have “many are one” concept. (9-11) The analysis from the search. Just as in a marriage, fruit comes from working close together whether it is in the family or in the church. The 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. Nobody will remember it. I take time aside each day to train my children in God’s ways. Let me share one. The same is with the church. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. Wherein the reward consists is detailed in Ecclesiastes 4:10 ff. The question is whether the couple live as one. Here, the Preacher keeps some of his earlier emphasis on work – but the emphasis is much heavier on the concept of companionship and its benefits. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). 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. He gave others their salary but did not take one himself. How else was the Great Wall built? I would like to suggest that when it has that somewhat hidden independent spirit, then it no longer can be God’s goal. Click any of the pictures to go to the Cross Training series. That’s the Preacher’s contention. Because marriage matters to God, we must do marriage His way. A number of people in the last few months have commented on how much quality material has been produced at BFF. Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (Read Ecclesiastes 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. God has commanded fathers to bring up their children in the Lord. Posted on Mar 7, 2016. (See more on this.). Find pleasure in the simple things. He pursued his life rather than God’s will. And verse 9 speaks of the advantages of fellowship, partnerships, self-control and mutual encouragement between two people.. "two are better than one", he writes, "because they have a good return for their labour.". 4:9-12 two are one ” concept of marriage to–the blessing got his,! 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