Ecclesiastes 4
Book: Ecclesiastes
THE EXISTENCE OF OPPRESSION IN THE WORLD MAKES HUMAN EXISTENCE MISERABLE
1 Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and, behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
3 yea, better than them both did I esteem him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
PEOPLE NEED BALANCE IN THEIR APPROACH TO LABOR
4 Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
WEALTH WITHOUT SOMEONE WITH WHICH TO ENJOY IT IS FUTILE
8 There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER IN LIFE
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.
12 And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
ONE MUST BE WILLING TO LISTEN TO COUNSEL
13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.
15 I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.