But his commentary goes further in saying that there is no denial here "of personal, conscious presence with God immediately after death of the body" (p. 102). September 2011 Many allude to two are better than one referring to marriage. October 2019 November 2009 March 2011 August 2013 October 2009 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 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. America would do well to hear and heed . April 2011 Not only are we to live in relationship with other people but with God as well. 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. 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. It was God who taught us to love. December 2017 But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Contextually, Solomon is talking about the work a person does with his hands (Eccl. Denomination: 5 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), 1166. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, / Because they have a good reward for their labor. 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.". But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 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. How are two better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9)? Might this service be a reminder to us who have spoken these vows in the past. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Every hour. Third, the perfect and glorious labor of the Son of God. Follow Pre-Denominational Christianity on WordPress.com, Some Questions About Church Discipline Jon Mitchell, Editor (Editorial: November/December, 2022). March 2018 Then you need a Third One to lift you up, to keep you lifted up. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Not only is this the example we have been given, but it comes with great benefits. But how can one keep warm alone? MAN, would you please take Andreas hands, palms up, so that you may see them for the gifts, which they are to you. We were made for community. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! But is this a misappropriated verse? Ecclesiastes 4:9 There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. January 2017 This article was published in the January 2013 edition of the Puritan Reformed Journal. Bible Q&A: With Whom Did Cain and Seth Have Children? He has loved us with an everlasting, unconditional love (Jeremiah 31:3). As image-bearers of the Triune God, we too are meant to live in community with others. 10For 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. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Verse 9: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. A marriage wont make it without a lot of work but theres a reward when both work together. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. September 2015 May 2014 They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).Faith is not just believing in a God out there somewhere, but in a God who is real and here for us, Whom we trust in, and wrap our heart and personality around. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 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. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. All throughout the New Testament, God is calling the body of Christ to display his glory and to share his message. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us of the importance of teamwork. However, if two horses are trained to work together in a harness they can pull 32,000 pounds! ? Which means we are not here to honor Andrea and Bradley but to honor and worship God who has brought them together. These are the hands which will comfort you in times of illness and which will hold you when grief intrudes your home. Amen! He described it as chasing after the wind. ? This is the view held by many scholars, but its not the only view. July 2011 3: quid habet amplius homo de universo labore suo quod laborat sub sole. 1 Timothy After describing the roles in marriage, the Apostle Paul gives a one-verse summary of each of your responsibilities in Ephesians 5:33: However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.. July 2018 From Ecclesiastes 4:10; "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. They are committed to love the other whatever happens. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Message 9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; [4] J. Stafford Wright, Ecclesiastes, in The Expositors Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, ed. See your spouse as your companion, as one who completes you, and who you are to live in communion with. On behalf of Andrea and Bradley, We would like to welcome you, family and friends to this special occation. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. October 2017 John Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! If you work at giving your strength where they are weak, you will recieve a good return from their strength.Return 2: Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. James and Lydia, your marriage will take work but you will find fruit as you toil together. get to know the Bible better! Having trouble logging into your account? Of all our Lord's miracles of healing none were probably more marvelous than those performed on . 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. Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage | Part 2. Finally, this a good time before we leave the emotions of this event, to realize we need God every day. J.C. Ryle Expository Thoughts On Mark - Mark 1:40-45. November 2013 And He makes this kind of love available to us, so that we can love like Him. This is not how we are meant to live! October 2013 January 2016 Pastors often say that the third cord is God in Christian marriage. IT IS GOD HIMSELF! May 2016 [3] Derek Kidner, The Message of Ecclesiastes: A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance, ed. As the love of Jesus pours through us we are better equipped to pour love into others. Luke 14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 308. Reference-Verse. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough! This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?". October 2014 This also is a vanity 1 and a striving after wind. May 2020 August 2020 Who You Were Made To Be // Going Deeper. We see five foundations for marriage in these verses. 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. September 2020 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. June 2020 What does it mean that everything is meaningless? Actually, Im honored that you asked me to bring the message. March 2020 4:9-12). #2. December 2019 They are strong and vibrant with love - these hands, which are resting in yours on this wedding day, are the hands of the one whom is promising to love you for all the remaining days of your life. Bibliographical Information Clarke, Adam. If we stay close to Him, we will form a 3-Stranded Rope that cannot be broken:He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. The best life lived is not one searching for things that will fade awaybut things that will last even through eternity. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Every Sunday the worship service includes a message from the Bible. March 2012 Its not only on this side of eternity that community will be the central focus of life. (LogOut/ They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. 2 Corinthians Status: Ongoing Network: MBC Released: Dec 9, 2022 - Jan 21, 2023 Country: South Korea Type: Drama Episodes: 12 Director: Jung Hoon, Park . 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. 6 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 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. 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. September 2010 12 By yourself you're unprotected. Fruit Of The Spirit March 2013 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. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! All rights reserved. The response to their weakness is to offer your strength to fill that gap. Our homes are quieter and plainer, perhaps, after the Christmas season. There were a lot of risks traveling by foot in Palestine. 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. We ask this in the Mighty name of Jesus', Amen. With His help, together we are strong! And It Was Beautiful. Session 3: The Burdens and Blessings of Wealth. Is this passage talking about marriage? February 2012 Solomon writes, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. The first illustration is that of a traveler who falls into a pit. Everything is meaningless! The writer is searching for significance and meaning in life. A marriage relationship involves working, walking, warming, withstanding and worshipping. 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!) Thus husband and wife are to wrap them themselves around each other, emotionally and physically, giving love and support "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall CLEAVE (be united) unto his wife: and they shall be ONE flesh" (Genesis 2:24).That which binds the strands is LOVE - the KEY to a SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE. Here is the take away idea I see in today's scripture: FROM GOOD TO GREAT. var addy51231 = 'obc.church' + '@'; In moments of failure, its far better to have another person beside you to walk through the pain with and to help get you back on your feet. Marriage is Gods idea: to reflect His nature.This is stated in Genesis 1:27: God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Together man and woman make up a more complete image, as the two are joined together in unity; and if they are also both spiritually joined to God (the 3rd Strand) in faith and love, then together their Marriage forms an image of the perfect and unbreakable union of our Triune God. April 2021 This is a great illustration because marriage is like a trip or a journey. 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. Acts Not surprisingly to those who know me, they all begin with the same letter W for wedding: working, walking, warming, withstanding, and worshipping. I post weekly sermons and other biblical messages on this page. June 2015 ; Matthew 27:26ff. Evidence Unseen 2023. What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:18)? Rather than pine away for the past, Ecclesiastes says, "There is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life" (3:12). Job Read full chapter Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 5 King James Version (KJV) Public Domain In fact He has revealed His inner nature as being 3 Persons (Father, Son and Spirit) intertwined together in one (as one Being), bound together in unity in perfect Love, just like a rope of 3 strands. Yes, you have to work at the Marriage, to keep the harmony, and make compromises, but it will pay off for whatever you put into it, you will get a good return. These are the hands, which appear so large and strong today will work long hours for you and your family and they are the hands which will passionately love and cherish you throughout the years - the same hands will wipe away tears of sorrow and tears of joy from your eyes. September 2012 August 2019 And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.". 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. This too is meaningless a . This is a picture of the Trinity and in a godly Marriage, we comes the closest to fulfilling His call to be the image of God. [1] Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol. December 2015 In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on (literally: intertwine themselves around) the Lord will renew their strength (and love). September 2014 6 d Better is a handful of e quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. July 2013 October 2010 It will be a good investment.Return 1: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Theres actually a small shift in these four verses, a glimpse of real hope. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 meaning. Separate Line. A good marriage is good, but a great marriage is better. 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. Scriptures to Show How Important Grandparents Are. Keep me from being enticed into worldly ways or seeking after the empty values life has to offer. When I Am Weak (Samson) 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. April 2019 August 2011 1 Then again, I contemplate all the oppression that is committed under the sun. Im a bit of a competitive person in this area of my life, and I was concerned I would lack control to move at the pace I was comfortable with. 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. December 2016 Over the years Ive reinforced three expectations for our daughters whenever they would talk about getting married. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. 4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. But how can one keep warm alone? (v11). Baptist. Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Your Maker is Your Husband: The Divine Marriage Metaphor and the New Covenant Matthew Haste This article traces the biblical use of the divine marriage metaphor throughout the Scriptures revealing its unique place in revealing the contours of the new covenant. Treasury of Scripture Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. I assumed that he didnt want theirs that long so I said, So, you dont want anything real preachy or long, right? He quickly replied, Actually, I do want it Christ-centered, preachy and long!, Ill aim for two out of three because I dont think the rest of us can handle long today, Becca just read from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is a journal that describes the journey King Solomon took in his search for significance and meaning in life. (See Proverbs 15:17, 17:1 .) It knows that the beloved is not perfect and will make mistakes. Because they have a good reward for their labor. There is no one to help him get up. 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. //