tonic, subdominant and dominant

Verse 9 shows how that two working together have a greater reward.  Two workers are better than one because they will produce more efficiently when they work together cooperatively. Ecclesiastes 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done … If a man be acute, and dexterous, and successful in his business, he gets the ill-will of his neighbours, v. 4. 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. He saw that toil and skillful labor is envied by others 2. (13-16) The vanity of fame and its short life. 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.  This is an unconditional Covenant Love, that they vow to give each other, making Marriage stronger than all other relationships. 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. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Verse 12 speaks of one person being helpless against an attack, while two together would be able to ward off an attack.  We then read in verse 12, that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  A threefold cord is more than three times as strong as a single cord.  Why a threefold cord and not a twofold cord?  In a Godly relationship, there would be a threefold cord:  the husband, the wife, and the Lord!  In a God led relationship, where the Lord is called upon to lead and guard, there is a threefold cord.  How vital it is for believers to make the Lord head of their relationships and head of their homes.  The Lord can give us strength and blessings that we could never get on our own. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 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). document.getElementById('cloak81525').innerHTML = ''; Two are better than one.] I post weekly sermons and other biblical messages on this page. Leave a comment to ask questions or inspir… "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. (7,8) The advantages of mutual assistance. Verse 11 shows the advantage of two being in a relationship.  If there is a cold night, two together would produce heat, helping to keep each other warm. This is not to say that a single man should not work hard.  He should.  We learn from Colossians 3:4, that in our labors, we “serve the Lord Christ.”  Single or married, we should always do our best for the glory of the Lord.  However, a person should not work continuously with the goal of simply gathering greater wealth for himself.  Also, this portion is not condemning the single person.  There are some who are intended to stay single.  Their situation is just a valid as those who are in a relationship.  In the typical sense, we see from our portion that, “Two are better than one.”  The advantages are obvious.  (191.6). Oxford Bible Church. The Value of a Friend. If you think: “I’m giving more to this relationship than he/she is” -then good. While wisdom has its drawbacks (Eccl 1:18), can be nullified by a little … He supplies us with all the Love we need for our Marriage, especially in the hard times. 9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. 10 … Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 5 ... With Bible Gateway Plus, you gain instant access to a digital Bible study library, including complete notes from the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible and the New Bible Commentary. The fool does nothing, and consumes his own flesh 2. (1-3) troubles from envy. (3) Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”“Two are better than one” (if they are united that is!). Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 teaches us, two are indeed better than one. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. Better a poor and wise youth. 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. When we move in that God-kind of Love, it never fails to turn the situation around for good.Â, 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. It is better to have a little with quietness III. 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. They are committed to love the other whatever happens. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:12 provides us with an example of a peculiarity of Hebrew writing that is seen in a number of places in the Old Testament. Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied … Learn more Start my trial Back . Miseries from oppression. God is Love (1John 4:8). 9:1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [ he doesn’t know which he might … (Eccl 4:12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.. Ver. But how can one keep warm alone?” (v11). (4-6) The folly of covetousness. IT IS GOD HIMSELF! 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. 4:13 "poor" This Hebrew term (BDB 587) is found only four times in Ecclesiastes (cf. The basis now for how they relate is not how loving the other person is, but their Covenant Vows. 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. - AFTB. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. So, who is this 3rd Strand, who will make all the difference? This literary device makes comparisons by using the term “better.” He first uses “better” in verse 3, then again in verse 6, and finally in verse 9 as he reaches the section's conclusion. 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!) Love does not keep a list of their faults and failures, for both bring strengths and weaknesses to the relationship. << Ecclesiastes 3 | Ecclesiastes 4 | Ecclesiastes 5 >> 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Who would have imagined three years ago, when you began teaching at the same school that you would one day That’s the Preacher’s contention. Verses 4-6 Here Solomon returns to the observation and consideration of the vanity and vexation of spirit that attend the business of this world, which he had spoken of before, ch. My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. “This picture of lonely, pointless busyness, equally with that of jealous rivalry in verse 4, checks any excessive claims we might wish to make for the blessings of hard work.” (Kidner) 3. They love because the Covenant requires it, not because the other deserves it. And then we get into Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. 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 bereave my soul of good? ( Ecc 4:9-12 ) Without a friend, accomplishments are vain. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. Try it free for 30 days! Perfect Love gives freely without strings, giving itself continually, but not demanding anything in return. Learn more today! 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. var addy_text81525 = 'obc.church' + '@' + 'yahoo' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk'; And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”, In these verses, Solomon speaks of the vanity, or emptiness, of a miser who remains alone, yet works tirelessly and continually.  This particular man has no other one to be with or care for.  He doesn’t have a son or a brother; yet he tends to labor diligently, acquiring great wealth with no one to spend it on but himself.  It never even occurs to him to ask the question, “For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?”. 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. Each of us must walk in the … … We have our love for one other enhanced by God’s 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. John Trapp Complete Commentary. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he … Ecclesiastes 4, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. 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. Love is accepting and forgiving (knowing how much we need forgiveness helps us forgive). From this point on you are each other's best friend and companion. This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Fulfilling this they are the image of God and glorify Him in their union.The kind of love needed for a lasting Marriage is a selfless, self-giving, committed, love, that puts the other first. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Jon & Jessica, the two of you are life-long companions of each other. Ecclesiastes 9:12(NASB) Verse Thoughts. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. It knows that the beloved is not perfect and will make mistakes. 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. For if they fall, one will lift … Marriage is God’s 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. As Christians we have all the material we need to build a strong Marriage. 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. Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 'Bible Study Questions' on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is the last of a five part expository study which reveals the message of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 through study questions. He connects this phrase with a word that means ‘a breath’ or ‘wind’.And it also means ‘a mystery’ or ‘something that is difficult to understand’. God granted the young king the gift of wisdom and discernment, and there is much in his writing that pertains to the value of acquiring godly wisdom. Such as, ushering, teaching, helping, but the greatest ministry is to present. This is how it should be for no-one is complete in themselves. 12 And though one might prevail against … 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 response to their weakness is to offer your strength to fill that gap. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. Try it for 30 days FREE. It will be strong, stable and full of love. This speaks of emotional support that we need to give when the other needs it. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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. Be wise. There are all types of ministries within the local body. 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. 2:11.I. As God is 3 Persons, yet is so united in love as to be One Being, so God made the man and woman to be distinct personalities, yet through their union of love they become as one in love, loyalty and purpose. 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? The greediness of this man leads Solomon to point out four reasons why it would be better for this man to have a mate to share his life with, rather than continue to work only to amass wealth for himself. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. But as one traces the life of this famous and fabulously … May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. Ecclesiastes 9 Commentary Explained We start our Ecclesiastes 9 commentary considering that death is inevitable. 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). var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; We are to give warmth to each other, giving hugs (physically and emotionally). var addy81525 = 'obc.church' + '@'; 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 than one' and apply it to two situations: marriage and the church. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. The devil doesn't go on vacation y'all... accountability is huge. 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! Posted on Mar 7, 2016. He has loved us with an everlasting, unconditional love (Jeremiah 31:3).  This is the kind of love that God has for us. If they pull in opposite directions that is different of course! IT BREEDS ENVY IN OTHERS (4) 1. Thus God’s purpose in Marriage is that it should reflect the glory of the Triune God. This email address is being protected from spambots. 8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. 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. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? //-->, Sundays at 11am and 6pmCheney School HallCheney Lane - HeadingtonOxford - England - UKOX3 7QH, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (God-Centred Marriage), The Gospel of John Commentary Chapters 1-11 (by chapter), Pictures Of Salvation (Types and Shadows). 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. Designed by. 4:13; 9:15[twice],16) and means "a poor man." 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; … Workbook on Ecclesiastes Page #4 Bible Study Questions on Ecclesiastes Introduction: This workbook was designed for Bible class study, family study, or personal study.  The GREATEST KEY to a successful Marriage is in the final mysterious statement:“A cord of 3 strands is not quickly broken.”This is scientifically accurate (3 intertwined strands, no more, no less, is the strongest kind of rope). 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). The author writes about many things t… Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 English Standard Version (ESV) 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS. And He makes this kind of love available to us, so that we can love like Him. In bad times the other is there to help you. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. A Wedding Homily Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Pastor Steven Molin Alec and Kathy, what a day! The questions contain minimal human commentary, but instead urge students to study to understand … (9-12) the changes of royalty. (13-16) Verses 1-3 It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Eccl. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (v10). (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone? Learn more. 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. A weakness in the other is not for you to judge and feel superior, but is instead an opportunity to show your love in giving help. But how can one keep warm alone? 7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. 1 of 1. God's infinite unselfish Love is shown in that He gave His Son to us to save us when we only deserved His judgement (John 3:16). What does the Word says about being wealthy? It accepts the beloved as he or she is, and is patient and kind, giving them time to change. Every Sunday the worship service includes a message from the Bible. Instead they inspire one another to greater things by their love. Copyright © 2021. The class book is suitable for teens and up. THE VANITY OF TOIL AND SKILLFUL WORK (4:4-6) A. At SACC we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Explain for me Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. It will be a good investment.Return 1: “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Why does the Bible use the lion symbol for good and bad examples? This kind of love is as interested in what I can give as I can get. The single traveler may be overcome by a bandit; safety is found in numbers. 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. Than … 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. Two is better than one. TWO WAYS TO REACT TO THIS VANITY (5-6) 1. 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 two stand together under pressure and attack, they are much stronger. This too is vanity and grasping for wind B. 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. //