And verse 9 speaks of the advantages of fellowship . Every Sunday the worship service includes a message from the Bible. I promise I won't share your e-mail address with anyone. This is a perfect setup into the great benefits of being in community with people. James, your word is love. He described it as chasing after the wind. Love does not keep a list of their faults and failures, for both bring strengths and weaknesses to the relationship. 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! January 2012 It should be a competition to outgive the other.Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their WORK (labour). This is not speaking of your work to earn money, but the work you put into the relationship. March 2021 ecclesiastes 10:8-11. Its within the community that the glory of God shines the brightest. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. his father later asked? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Rev. ? 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. Contextually, Solomon is talking about the work a person does with his hands (Eccl. If this passage is being misinterpreted, then so be it. How Do We Know What God's Best for Us Is? Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. Marriage 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. 4:11), but this doesnt necessarily mean that they are husband and wife. He exists within the community of the Trinity. Theres a third benefit, 3. May 2020 9 Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. This is not how we are meant to live! Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. November 2014 But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Praying through Ecclesiastes 4:9 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. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. As we offer our protection, strength, support, help and loyalty to the other in their time of need, stress and pressure, so we will receive a good return when we are under fire, for they will be there for us too. As you stand here today, before God, it is your desire that this ceremony not only reflect your commitment to one another but your individual and shared commitment to Christ. As two stand together under pressure and attack, they are much stronger. No one to comfort them! Two strands alone are limited, and not stable for they can easily unravel under pressure, and slide over each other with friction, but the 3rd stand fixes the other two into place and adds its strength to them, that 3 intertwined strands are bound firmly together. 5 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), 1166. If you think: Im giving more to this relationship than he/she is -then good. In moments of temptation, it is far better to have someone beside you to keep you accountable and help prevent you from falling into sin. Might this ceremony be a proper beginning for Andera and Bradley as they commit themselves before these wittensis to pursue a Christ-centered life together. { Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Theres actually a small shift in these four verses, a glimpse of real hope. 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. You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. April 2016 9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Not surprisingly to those who know me, they all begin with the same letter W for wedding: working, walking, warming, withstanding, and worshipping. October 2017 What a privilege it is to share this exciting day with Andera and Bradley. Dr. Kaiser's commentary says that Ecclesiastes 9:4-5 and verse 10 present "no denial of a future state"which is true, as these verses allow for a future resurrection. August 2012 However, the principles laid out in the passages can very much indirectly apply to married couples. #3. Thank You for the Word of truth and the wisdom it contains . Then you need a Third One to lift you up, to keep you lifted up. Bible Q&A: With Whom Did Cain and Seth Have Children? 4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV. September 2011 February 2020 July 2014 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). November 2019 In fact, the very nature of Marriage is that two very different people are joined, so that each one gives of their strengths to fill the others weaknesseses. September 2017 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. We see five foundations for marriage in these verses. But this wisdom doesnt only prove itself to be true in trivial moments like this. Listen to verse 10: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. March 2012 This picture of Marriage is of two intertwined strands of rope, each with their own individuality and limitations, but they are better when joined and working together. 11 Also if two lie together, they can keep each other warm. January 2013 But Christians often use this passage to apply to Christian marriage. My Messy House 363 Banbury Road Oxford - England - UK OX2 7PL Telephone: +44 (0)1865 515086 Fax: +44 (0) 8721 107068 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 meaning Solomon advocates for the benefit of human communitywhat we can do when we work together rather than against one another or alone. April 2011 God is the Third Cord in your marriage. 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. James and Lydia, as you walk together there will be potholes and loose gravel and confusing paths. ? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Sermon Topics: Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. It is in the fulfilling of each others needs and the completing of each other that the relationship is strengthened (if they had no weakness they would not need you and then the relationship would be weak!) Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us of the importance of teamwork. We toured his base, went to the Marine Museum and then he took us out for some fantastic steaks where we talked about the wedding. Loving Lord and Heavenly Father, I pray that I would always invite You into every relationship in my life and seek Your guidance in every decision I make. The basis now for how they relate is not how loving the other person is, but their Covenant Vows. To be alone isnt necessarily seen as negative, but when you add another person to your life the situation is usually better. God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. With a friend you can face the worst. My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. KJV, The King James Study Bible, Red Letter, Full-Color Edition: KJV Holy Bible, KJV Bible, Giant Print Thinline Bible, Vintage Series, Red Letter, Comfort Print: King James Version, KJV Study Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition: Second Edition, KJV, Value Thinline Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, King James Version, KJV, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, King James Version, KJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses. 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). 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. New American Standard Version 4:9-12, marriage is a journey. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. These are the hands of your best friend. April 2019 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; When one falls (in sin or discouragement), others may kick him when he is down, but his partner should restore him (lift him up) in a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). September 2016 Our Lord declared that man shall leave his father and mother and unite with his wife in the building of a home, and the two shall become one flesh. 8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and . They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. But Christians often use this passage to apply to Christian marriage. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Christmas Luke 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. Oxford Bible Church. Leave a comment to ask questions or inspire others with your insights.In general, the previous Sunday's sermon will be posted by Tuesday afternoon. Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage | Part 2. The writer of Ecclesiastes penned these truths thousands of years before the similar proverbs we commonly know today. Look for that person today! "There is nothing sadder in the whole book than the wistful glance in Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 at the dead and the unborn, who are spared the sight of so much anguish." (Kidner) ii. Marriage involves working and it involves walking. July 2011 As the love of Jesus pours through us we are better equipped to pour love into others. When you do, God will bring warmth to you. It guarantees the feelings stay alive and protects the relationship from a downward spiral of each withdrawing love in revenge against the other being selfish. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?". July 2012 In Ecclesiastes 9:7-10, Solomon urges us to enjoy God's gift of life in simple ways. document.getElementById('cloak51231').innerHTML = ''; And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him a threefold cord is not quickly broken (vs. 9-12). This is the view held by many scholars, but its not the only view. The wise person will work side by side with another, enjoying a good reward and finding help in times of need. Evangelical/Non-Denominational, ? Hebraic Analysis for Genesis 18-1-15.pdf. Read the Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. June 2011 Two are better than one Married life is infinitely to be preferred to this kind of life, for the very reasons alleged below, and which require no explanation. Ecclesiastes 9:10 is a verse often quoted to encourage hard work: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." But the reason for this is again in the context of death: "For there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." Solomon concludes that "time and chance happen to them all" (9:11). Follow Pre-Denominational Christianity on WordPress.com, Some Questions About Church Discipline Jon Mitchell, Editor (Editorial: November/December, 2022). The response to their weakness is to offer your strength to fill that gap. #2. That this ceremony would honor you, and reflect the seriousness of the vows to be spoken. And He makes this kind of love available to us, so that we can love like Him. Evidence Unseen 2023. Here the Teacher picks up the other side of the same theme, now speaking of the positive benefits of a life lived in connection with others. iii. Not only because of the way it will personally benefit you, but because its the greatest way to display the glory of God. And this certainly can be applied to the partnership within marriage, but it is by no means limited to the union of marriage. Marriage, Wedding, Union, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. But how can one be warm alone? (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone? What he finds is that while you can search all day long, in the end we all die and it was all worth nothing. [2] Michael A. Eaton, Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. April 2017 Job Love Lydia with all that you have, loving her like you love yourself, and even more. May 2013 May 2012 14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 308. We see this in verse 11: Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 13:4; 1 Cor. When we reject the help and influence of others, life takes on significant burden and hardship. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. August 2020 Last week we talked about those crazy and amazing vows as the foundation for marriage, the need to give and keep our commitments, the craving for stability in our fragile world. October 2020 In the book of Ecclesiastes, the author only identifies himself by the Hebrew word qoheleth,which can be translated as preacher. He never identifies himself by name. ANALYSIS. Two are better than one. Which means we are not here to honor Andrea and Bradley but to honor and worship God who has brought them together. Designed by. Scriptures to Show How Important Grandparents Are. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. I asked him a question about what he was expecting for the message. Continue Reading. Solomon writes, Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. This kind of Love is impossible for us in our own strength, but when it seems hard we can turn to God - the Source of all Love and by faith receive an infilling of His Love. In Genesis, God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. 7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: 8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. Reference-Verse. . But how can one keep warm alone? The Chord of 3 Strands. And not just in times of crisis. 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