Ecclesiastes Part 07

In Ecclesiastes 4 Solomon discusses the vanity of wealth and materialism over relationships. Verses one and two state, 

“On the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter. Therefore, I praised the dead who were already dead, more than the living who are still alive.” 

Solomon is referring to the powerful among humanity who oppress others and promote injustice and cruelty. He “praises the dead” because they are in a place of safety, relieved of such oppression and worries that those alive still experience.

The second problem Solomon mentions is oppression (4:1–3), a consequence of the problem of injustice. Man’s mistreatment of fellow man, such as the strong abusing the weak, is horrible and made worse by the absence of a comforter, one who could ease their pain (verse 1). This does not seem to refer to having no human companion since oppressed people may well have friends, particularly among those who are oppressed along with them. Considering that the observance is of the plight of humanity, the likely problem here is that they do not have the comforter who could truly help them, Almighty God. Some might take this fact as an indictment of God or as proof that He is not working out some plan since He obviously does not care. Yet God is not to blame. He cares deeply and desires to be man’s comforter, but man has rejected Him. As a consequence, the whole world suffers oppression at the hands of fellow man and evil spirit forces led by Satan the devil. This does not mean God has no plan at work to rescue humanity. We might also note that those who do not have God do not typically have the kind of companions who know Scripture and God’s plan and who could therefore give the most comforting words.

A third issue considered by Solomon as an obstacle to contentment and trusting that God has a plan for mankind is human rivalry in the working world born out of envy (4:4–6). In response, he offers two proverbs. They can seem contradictory, but that is because they apply to opposing circumstances. For those who might be tempted to just withdraw from the hectic rat race altogether, the point of the first proverb (verse 5) is that we have to work. A person who foolishly refuses to work comes to poverty and self-destruction, as various proverbs of Solomon also show. Later in Ecclesiastes, he encourages industriousness and productivity and further denounces laziness and idleness (9:10; 10:18). On the other hand, the second proverb here in Ecclesiastes 4:6 is for those who go overboard in work for the great payoff it will bring. It says, 

“‘that it is better to have a few things (one handful) and yet be satisfied and happy than to have many things (two handfuls) and yet be consumed with work and worries.’ 

The Teacher steers away from both idleness and slavery to work.” The Preach the Word commentary describes the quiet person in the second proverb as peaceful, composed, and content, “rather than always striving for more. The quiet person has found the right balance. His hands are not folded, like the fool, as he is working hard enough to have a decent handful of what he needs in life. But that is enough for him. He does not keep demanding more and more but accepts what God has given” (Ryken, p. 111).

The fourth problem Solomon addresses is human isolation (verses 7–16). Having just cautioned against overworking for material reward, he starts with someone engaged in this pursuit who sadly has no one with whom to share. Solomon goes on to show the seriousness of this matter by highlighting the value of companionship (verses 9-12). Two can achieve more together than one and they support and comfort one another through hard times. “The strength of the three-ply cord was proverbial in the ancient world, as seen in Sumerian and Akkadian texts” (Tyndale, note on verse 12).  

In context, the step up to three in verse 12 is evidently a general indication that having more friends than one is even better. This verse is sometimes used to point out the strength of marriage as the union is between not just husband and wife, but three, including God. God is not a mere additional companion but the most needed of all. Solomon’s presentation of the value of companionship teaches that we should seek it to avoid isolation.  

Verses 13–16 continue to underline the folly of self-sufficiency and growing isolation. Solomon gives the story of a king who grows too self-confident and feels he needs no advisers. He falls from favor, and a new regime takes over. Despite his humble origins, the crowd flocks to the side of the newcomer who will also grow old and be abandoned in turn to his own isolation.  

Yet here is something else to consider. There was one wise young man who was the wisest and meekest who ever lived, who was born poor in his kingdom and later came out of the prison of the grave to take over from the ruler of this world as our King. Many rejected Him, yet in the end all living will follow Him for eternity. If we are wise and live accordingly, we will follow His example and reign with Him for eternity.

In the face of the obstacles to faith and happiness we are told with each problem how to cope: live righteously (with future judgment in mind) and derive joy from daily work and accomplishment; seek comfort from God; work to meet needs without becoming a slave to work for a big payoff, and seek the companionship of true friends and wise counsel with a teachable spirit. Next in Ecclesiastes 5:1–20, Solomon will go further in helping us to maintain a right perspective and live properly despite the obstacles.

Wisdom Literature is a course taught at ABC by Dr. Urwiller. Recordings from the 2018–2019 class year are available to listen to on the ABC website.      

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.