February 2019 When I Am Weak (Samson) Everything is meaningless! The writer is searching for significance and meaning in life. Isaiah There were a lot of risks traveling by foot in Palestine. >, Browse and search all venues by type, location and more, Browse and search all suppliers by type, location and more. 2 So, rather than the living who still have lives to live, I congratulate the dead who have already met . November 2010 I will make a helper suitable for him." according to the New . We have our love for one other enhanced by Gods love, that is continually being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).This Love is deeper than a feeling - it is a commitment, a covenant commitment. TEAMWORK IS PROFITABLE - Vs. 9 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." TEAMWORK IS PROTECTIVE - Vs. 10 "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." But the gathering of fellow believers is also for the benefit of us as individuals. I promise I won't share your e-mail address with anyone. 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. Its only the pursuit of loving God and loving others that will truly give you fulfillment and purpose in life. ? Might it be instructive to those considering such a commitment in their future. The author of Ecclesiastes says all other pursuits in life will leave you empty-handed and longing for more. March 2017 12 By yourself you're unprotected. August 2018 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. Some of His most famous parables flow out of the context of marriage. Acts Love is accepting and forgiving (knowing how much we need forgiveness helps us forgive). If one side fails to uphold their side of the covenant then the contract is jeopardised and these days depending on the severity of failure many people will council a married couple to then break the contract. The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. October 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. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! See your spouse as your companion, as one who completes you, and who you are to live in communion with. 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. Love Lydia with all that you have, loving her like you love yourself, and even more. One of the keywords in these verses is better. The writer is stating that a better way, a more fruitful way to live life is alongside other people. June 2017 April 2013 The nights back then were very cold so the couple after working and walking would need some warming. November 2013 Romans From Ecclesiastes 4:10; "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. iii. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. The goal of LifeLight is that through a regular program of in-depth personal and group study of Scripture, more and more Christian adults may grow in their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Leave a comment to ask questions or inspire others with your insights. Denomination: Who You Were Made To Be // Going Deeper. #3. 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. [3] Derek Kidner, The Message of Ecclesiastes: A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance, ed. With His help, together we are strong! April 2011 July 2011 In Ecc. March 2013 John It continues to be true over and over again. But how can one keep warm alone?. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ? 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. October 2011 January 2012 "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?". 7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. Ecclesiastes Marriage is often described as getting hitched. That makes me think of two animals yoked together and hitched to a heavy wagon. Solomon writes, Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. Only marry a sold-out Christ-follower. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Reflection None of us are meant to journey through life alone. Two out of three isnt bad. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Denomination: Baptist Summary: A marriage relationship involves working, walking, warming, withstanding and worshipping. Every Sunday the worship service includes a message from the Bible. lets extend it to the marriage as well ~ make sure Jesus is there! This is a perfect setup into the great benefits of being in community with people. 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. August 2020 This kind of love is as interested in what I can give as I can get. March 2012 Bible Q&A: Is There A Difference Between "Good" and "Righteous"? 7. But how can one be warm alone? They are committed to love the other whatever happens. This is the view held by many scholars, but its not the only view. March 2015 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. It is while speaking of working hard while being alone that Solomon then says, Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ? Theres a third benefit, 3. Amos Bible Q&A: What Is The UnpardonableSin? However, if they wrap themselves around each other , through their union they form something stronger than 2 individual strands, for they give strength to each other through their union. December 2009 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." Ecclesiastes 4:9 (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Ecclesiastes 4:9) This means that God gave us the gift of having someone to have there, and that is committed in the relationship and becoming one with someone is better than being alone. Instead, his focus is on work and having security in relationships. Two is truly better than onebecause thats how God created it to be. var addy_text51231 = 'obc.church' + '@' + 'yahoo' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk'; document.getElementById('cloak51231').innerHTML += ''+addy_text51231+'<\/a>'; On behalf of Andrea and Bradley, We would like to welcome you, family and friends to this special occation. 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.But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Separate Line. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? This too is meaningless a . How Do We Know What God's Best for Us Is? For Ecclesiastes 9:9, Solomon is saying, "Since you only live for so long, enjoy life with the wife you love" and when he says "enjoy life" - he means in the full sense of "and Adam knew his wife Eve.". You can connect with Dale and Tamara at herandhymn.com. Treasury of Scripture Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. 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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 NIV 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. May 2021 But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.". Greek Interlinear Layout for Hebrews 13:4 (TR KJV) Line-By-Line Order: Verse-Reference. The difficulty of His labor in a fallen world: Hebrews 12:2ff . 7 u Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who . 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. ? Chapter 4 . What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:18)? May 2019 Verses 9-12 serve as a great contrast to verse 8, There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brotherThis too is meaninglessa miserable business!The author describes the misery a person experiences when theyre alone and without others to be in relationship with. His overall point is that all the work and hardship one goes through to acquire much wealth is ultimately vanity and a striving after wind (vs. 4, 6), especially if one is alone and thus has no one to care for and thus be motivated to work hard (vs. 7-8). The very first people of creation were brought together by God who saw that it was not good for man to be alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Lexham English Bible (LEB) 9 Two are better than the one, for they enjoy a better reward for their toil. The power their oppressors wield. God is the Third Cord in your marriage. Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. Many allude to two are better than one referring to marriage. I believe this is a very apt passage, for a marriage is likened to journey. (LogOut/ This is not how we are meant to live! Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, One of the unique things about Ecclesiastes is that its wisdom is beneficial regardless of your belief in God. But Christians often use this passage to apply to Christian marriage. The principle of two being better than one can be applied to any partnership or aspect of life. Its not only on this side of eternity that community will be the central focus of life. Try. It was God who taught us to love. Basically, what Solomon is saying here is that is better to have friends and companions while you work at your job because those friends can help you as you work together. He goes on to describe different aspects in life when two are better than one, such as in work, during moments of weakness, for basic survival, and during moments of attack. Praying through Ecclesiastes 4:12. But how can one keep warm alone? 13:4; 1 Cor. Help him up. Solomon next describes this committed companionship as walking together. December 2013 i. There are many other non-Christian proverbs that support the wisdom stated in these verses. I asked him a question about what he was expecting for the message. If they pull in opposite directions that is different of course! Zechariah: A Prophecy About Idolatry and UncleanSpirits, Church Discipline: Lets Answer SomeQuestions, Zechariah: They Will Look On Me Whom They HavePierced, Church Discipline: Theres More to beSaid, Zechariah: The House of David Shall Be LikeGod. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. How to Love a Friend. A Member of the Grace Advance Fellowship of Churches. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. As image-bearers of the Triune God, we too are meant to live in community with others. When you do, God will bring warmth to you. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 1. Read More. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Solomon reflects on the importance of companionship and the benefits of people working together. September 2012 Proverbs God Without Disguise This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Ecclesiastes: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom & Psalms by Craig Bartholomew. 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. 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. The Bible teaches that marriage is to be a permanent relationship of one man and one woman freely and totally committed to each other as companions for life. 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. Solomon might just be saying that there is safety in numbers. 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. 5 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), 1166. Verse Only. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. August 2014 This verse talks about strength in numbers with two or more people together being stronger (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). The writer of Ecclesiastes penned these truths thousands of years before the similar proverbs we commonly know today. The . (4,071) $15.00. July 2010 He has loved us with an everlasting, unconditional love (Jeremiah 31:3). January 2020 He is the One who promises to lift you up. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Context. These are the hands which will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times - they are the hands which will comfort you when you are sick and will console you when you grieve. ? There is no one to help him get up. January 2016 Yes, Solomon is saying that you should find sexual pleasure with her. Keep me from being enticed into worldly ways or seeking after the empty values life has to offer. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV. 10 For if they fall, one will help up his companion. Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. These are general life circumstances, but thats because this truth can really be applied to any part of your life. 11 Also if two lie together, they can keep each other warm. October 2018 March 2011 Some even believe this book could have been written by multiple authors. 4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. Matthew January 2013 You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? Chapter 4 of Ecclesiastes begins with a deep lament: The poor and homeless have "no one to comfort them" (4:1). 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. August 2010 ? Article Images Copyright , Why the Bible Says That Two Are Better Than One. document.getElementById('cloak51231').innerHTML = ''; God has brought you together not just for your own enjoyment but also to work for His glory, and for the good of others. 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). August 2017 December 2020 April 2018 I want to ask you to turn and face one another now. The purpose of lying together is for warmthnot sexual intercourse. September 2009. Its through relationship with others and God that we truly live the life God created for us. All Rights Reserved. (LogOut/ Our homes are quieter and plainer, perhaps, after the Christmas season. 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. 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. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one a cord of three strands is not easily broken Scripture Vinyl Bible master bedroom ECCL4V9-0001. Looking for a religious wedding reading? WildEyesSigns. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. 'Two are Better than One' (Ecclesiastes 4:9) February 2010 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man and one woman by God into a marriage relationship. The Christian faith has never been about solely building your relationship with Jesus, but about how the redemption received in Jesus needs to be shared with others. How to Love a Friend. Ephesians Actually, Im honored that you asked me to bring the message. "Be Still and Know that I Am God" "Pray Without Ceasing" "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made""All Things Work Together for Good" "Do Not Fear". Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. A Front Row Seat Denomination: Not surprisingly to those who know me, they all begin with the same letter W for wedding: working, walking, warming, withstanding, and worshipping. That is false. Help her to know that she is secure in your love. Bible Q&A: Is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Talking About Marriage? June 2013 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. 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. But they soon take their improved circumstances for granted and wish for additional improvement. What does it mean that everything is meaningless? Is this passage talking about marriage? 3: quid habet amplius homo de universo labore suo quod laborat sub sole. So, who is this 3rd Strand, who will make all the difference? James How are two better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9)? 1 & 2 Kings May 2017 Pastors often say that the third cord is God in Christian marriage. Many have used this passage as part of their marriage ceremony, and it is certainly appropriate. But how can one keep warm alone? (v11). A good relationship has a good return on its labor. The traditional view of authorship is that King Solomon wrote this wisdom literature. 19:6), thus finding application in Solomon's statement that "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." So to sum up, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 as written in its context is not talking about married couples. 6 Though there are different viewpoints on authorship of this book, the most commonly-held view by scholars is that of King Solomon. 1 2 3 4 Next James and Lydia Ramseyer Wedding July 12, 2014 11:00 a.m. Over the years I've reinforced three expectations for our daughters whenever they would talk about getting married. God is Love (1John 4:8). 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. As I looked at the list of workouts I knew there were certain areas where I would score low, because they were areas of weakness. Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding. "Solomon didn't urge the jet-set life but common things to enjoy right at home." This inspired, preserved wisdom commends the enjoyment of: Happy, leisurely meals eaten together. Furthermore, it's important to remember that we ought "to pray without ceasing," (1 Thess. What Is the Difference Between Prophetic Words and the Word of God? November 2009 April 2015 May 2011 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Over the years Ive reinforced three expectations for our daughters whenever they would talk about getting married. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. You seek the blessing of God on your marriage and today He gives it. March 2014 Haggai ~ Shake Up Your Life As Christians we have all the material we need to build a strong Marriage. These are the hands of your best friend.

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