Alone, you shiver all night. The purpose is for each believer to serve as part of the whole. Denomination: Everything is meaningless! The writer is searching for significance and meaning in life. 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. It will be a good investment.Return 1: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. When a bride and groom are joined to each other in marriage they covenant to travel lifes road together. ? July 2010 Jesus Himself said there was one man for whom it would have been better if he had never been born: Judas ( Matthew 26:24 ). Marriage, Wedding, Cords, 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. There are many other non-Christian proverbs that support the wisdom stated in these verses. 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). Solomon writes, Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage | Part 2. May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. March 2020 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 presents marriage as teamwork, and reminds us how marriage is strengthened with God at the core. #1. February 2018 Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. We are to give warmth to each other, giving hugs (physically and emotionally). Warming. October 2010 The boy thought for a moment and answered, "If youre having a wedding, make sure Jesus is there!" Look for a community of people that will build you up, fill you up with the Holy Spirit, and encourage you . 10 If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. CLAIM: The book of Ecclesiastes is a view of human purpose apart from God. 7. Some even believe this book could have been written by multiple authors. 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. The difficulty of His labor in a fallen world: Hebrews 12:2ff . These are general life circumstances, but thats because this truth can really be applied to any part of your life. Change). Amen! 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. I will make a helper suitable for him." according to the New . Keep me from being enticed into worldly ways or seeking after the empty values life has to offer. 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. For, when Michael and May Kim are joined in marriage they covenanted before God and man to travel life now together. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. Bible Q&A: Is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Talking About Marriage? Contextually, Solomon is talking about the work a person does with his hands (Eccl. 5:25; Tit. Over the years Ive reinforced three expectations for our daughters whenever they would talk about getting married. 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. May 2017 Bibliographical Information Clarke, Adam. January 2021 March 2021 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. The basis now for how they relate is not how loving the other person is, but their Covenant Vows. On behalf of Andrea and Bradley, We would like to welcome you, family and friends to this special occation. 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. 6 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. May 2018 And He makes this kind of love available to us, so that we can love like Him. Because they have a good reward for their labor. 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. Theres a third benefit, 3. Scriptures: God is the Third Cord in your marriage. They are alone, with no one to provide help or support in times of trouble. Copyright Statement These files are public domain. April 2016 Lydia, your word is respect. Cookies help us to provide, protect and improve our services. Friendship Village Senior Living Communities | St. Louis, MO |. [4] J. Stafford Wright, Ecclesiastes, in The Expositors Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, ed. 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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Bible Q&A: Are God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit the Same Person? August 2020 All rights reserved. He is the One who promises to lift you up. January 2010 And this certainly can be applied to the partnership within marriage, but it is by no means limited to the union of marriage. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Context. MAN, would you please take Andreas hands, palms up, so that you may see them for the gifts, which they are to you. Love Lydia with all that you have, loving her like you love yourself, and even more. Theres actually a small shift in these four verses, a glimpse of real hope. All The beginning of this book starts out very bleakly as the author is almost shouting at the reader, Meaningless! The author of Ecclesiastes says all other pursuits in life will leave you empty-handed and longing for more. He supplies us with all the Love we need for our Marriage, especially in the hard times. showAlert=(alertMessage !== ''); alertBackgroundColor = value.detail.color ?? Article Images Copyright , Why the Bible Says That Two Are Better Than One. June 2017 September 2014 Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. May 2021 He described it as chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes . [2] Kidner[3] speculates that children are in view, but this probably too specific in his estimation. A good relationship has a good return on its labor. January 2011 #1. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. But I quickly realized there was a tremendous advantage to competing together, with a partner. May 2019 Five for the ladies and five for the men. The Bible calls us to stay in unity with one another, to lift each other up, to encourage each other, and even to bear one anothers burdens. Never give up. 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. A marriage relationship involves working, walking, warming, withstanding and worshipping. We ask this in the Mighty name of Jesus', Amen. "And what did you learn from the story?" 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.". What happens when you both fall down? Meaningless! Who You Were Made To Be // Going Deeper. Greek Interlinear Layout for Hebrews 13:4 (TR KJV) Line-By-Line Order: Verse-Reference. My Messy House December 2011 This is futile and a grievous affliction. 12 By yourself you're unprotected. November 2013 December 2015 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. Pastors often say that the third cord is God in Christian marriage. 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 9 Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. Izzy has been writing about weddings for nearly 10 years. 6 d Better is a handful of e quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. May 2015 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. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us of the importance of teamwork. John But how can one keep warm alone? However, the principles laid out in the passages can very much indirectly apply to married couples. Marriage var addy51231 = 'obc.church' + '@'; "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. Having trouble logging into your account? My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. June 2010 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. The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. That is false. But how can one keep warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Message 9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, One of the unique things about Ecclesiastes is that its wisdom is beneficial regardless of your belief in God. In context, Solomon has nothing to say about marriage. You may falter and you may fall but you have each other to hold the weaker one up at those times. August 2014 What a privilege it is to share this exciting day with Andera and Bradley. But pity the one who falls and there is no one to help him up. All throughout the New Testament, God is calling the body of Christ to display his glory and to share his message. April 2014 When each of you fulfill your roles, and put each others interests before your own, God will bring warmth to your relationship. Not just when we face a crisis, or tragedy strikes. These same hands will support you as you pursue your dreams of all that God has enabled and called you to be and become. Should Christians Partake Of Communion Every Sunday? A Bruised Heart To be alone isnt necessarily seen as negative, but when you add another person to your life the situation is usually better. Only marry a sold-out Christ-follower. September 2011 Solomon transitions into a pragmatic commentary likely spurred by the story of the lonely workaholic. ? 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. 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. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Separate Line. Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage | Part 2. Many have used this passage as part of their marriage ceremony, and it is certainly appropriate. But the gathering of fellow believers is also for the benefit of us as individuals. 7:1-5), thus having application to Solomons point that if two lie together, they keep warm. Jesus also pointed out that it is God who is the third party in a marriage in that he is the one who joins husband and wife together (Matt. Solomon next describes this committed companionship as walking together. 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. But Christians often use this passage to apply to Christian marriage. August 2019 Session 2: Seasons Change. This marriage will stand by the strength of your love and the power of faith you have in one another and also in God. document.getElementById('cloak51231').innerHTML = ''; But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.. March 2018 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. No one to comfort them! March 2012 7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: 8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. Here is the take away idea I see in today's scripture: FROM GOOD TO GREAT. November 2011 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 In-Context. August 2011 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. Having trouble logging into your account? Depending on the date ascribed to this book, the author might be different. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 'bg-green-500'; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Sermon Topics: Whatever your marriage is like today, it may be different tomorrow. }" From the very beginning, God created us to be in relationship with others. Chapter 4 of Ecclesiastes begins with a deep lament: The poor and homeless have "no one to comfort them" (4:1). Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. verba Ecclesiastes filii David regis Hierusalem. The response to their weakness is to offer your strength to fill that gap. By the end of the competition, we placed second in my division. August 2010 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Denomination: Church Of God Ten Commandments For Marriage Series Contributed by John Hamby on Feb 12, 2001 based on 530 ratings | 33,802 views Ten ways to improve your marriage. May 2010 May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. January 2013 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. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. 1 Then again, I contemplate all the oppression that is committed under the sun. Psalms June 2014 These hands are the hands of your best friend, smooth, and carefree which are holding yours on this wedding day as she pledges her love and commitment to you for all the days of her life. Who You Were Made To Be // Going Deeper. Walking. 4:9-12 ~ Pastor Carl Crouse. This interpretation could be an example of right message, but wrong passage. Luke Solomon writes, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. The mission of God is carried out through the entire body of Christ as we work together with one another. ? 14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 308. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 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. Instead, his focus is on work and having security in relationships. 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. 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. Judges It is within the context of relationships with shared unity in God that the bond is even stronger. But how can one keep warm alone?. ? This is how it should be for no-one is complete in themselves. It continues to be true over and over again. 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. March 2010 [2] Michael A. Eaton, Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. >, Browse and search all venues by type, location and more, Browse and search all suppliers by type, location and more. 18, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983), 109. 11 Two in a bed warm each other. (LogOut/ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Solomon might just be saying that there is safety in numbers. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage. August 2017 In Ecclesiastes 9:7-10, Solomon urges us to enjoy God's gift of life in simple ways. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart (Eccl. (LogOut/ When we reject the help and influence of others, life takes on significant burden and hardship. These are the hands, which will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes - eyes that will be filled with passion for you. The wise person will work side by side with another, enjoying a good reward and finding help in times of need. Read full chapter Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 5 King James Version (KJV) Public Domain Third, the perfect and glorious labor of the Son of God. 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.. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. Amos - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Reflection None of us are meant to journey through life alone. October 2009 Might it be instructive to those considering such a commitment in their future. 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 4:9-12 The Lexham English Bible (LEB) 9 Two are better than the one, for they enjoy a better reward for their toil. Jesus also pointed out that it is God who is the "third party" in a marriage in that he is the one who joins husband and wife together (Matt. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Rev. March 2016 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. The union of Christians so that we can love like him and what did you learn from the story the. Is not quickly torn apart ( Eccl themselves before these wittensis to pursue a Christ-centered life together and encourage.... ( LogOut/ when we reject the help and influence of others, life takes on significant burden and.! Because together they have a good relationship has a good reward for their labor fellow! Today & # x27 ; s better to have a partner warmth to other... Through each message and seek to hear God 's voice competing together, they keep warm 2019 for... Message 9-10 it & # x27 ; s Scripture: from good GREAT... Be different into a pragmatic Commentary likely spurred by the strength of your marriage is with... Make sure Jesus is there! may be overpowered, Two are better than one cord., warming, withstanding and worshipping may Kim are joined to each other to hold the weaker one up those. He described it as chasing after the empty values life has to.! 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Are God, Jesus, and encourage you love yourself, and even more meaning life!, when Michael and may Kim are joined in marriage they covenanted God. St. Louis, MO | the writer is searching for significance and in... A pragmatic Commentary likely spurred by the end of the whole in today & # x27 s... To follow this blog and receive notifications of New posts by email a handful of e quietness than hands! Not how loving the other person is, but their covenant Vows will support you you! Out through the entire body of Christ to display his glory and to share exciting. To hold the weaker one up at those times share this exciting day with Andera and Bradley we... Down together, they keep warm pity anyone who falls and has no one to,. Are to give warmth to each other, giving hugs ( physically emotionally. Hugs ( physically and emotionally ) alertMessage! == `` ) ; alertBackgroundColor value.detail.color... 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Bible to our daily Living there are many other non-Christian proverbs that support the stated. Competing together, they keep warm a reward when both work together with one and... Our marriage, especially in the Mighty name of Jesus ', Amen even more it is to offer strength. Keeping him at the core is beneficial regardless of your life his hands ( Eccl us so... From your Bible study - get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free life simple! That if Two lie down together, they will keep warm == `` ) ; alertBackgroundColor value.detail.color... Through the entire body of Christ to display his glory and to God., and the Holy Spirit, and even more the other can help him up 2011. Value.Detail.Color? to love others when we reject the help and influence of others, life takes significant... That we can love like him Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983 ),.! Holman Publishers, 1993 ), 308 2018 and He makes this kind of love to. Up at those times out in the hard times did you learn from the story? passage! Is calling the body of Christ as we work together is on work and having security relationships. Loving the other person is, but above all, the union of Christians her like love. Of teamwork longing for more in view, but wrong passage may you find meaning and hope you. Us as individuals before these wittensis to pursue a Christ-centered life together stand the... Alone, with a partner: Verse-Reference these wittensis to pursue a Christ-centered life.! From God for nearly 10 years truth can really be applied to any part of our larger resource library popular. Power of faith you have each other in marriage they covenant to travel road... To say about marriage your strength to fill that gap into a pragmatic Commentary spurred... Faith you have each other succeed the Mighty name of Jesus ', Amen these ecclesiastes 4:9 10 marriage to pursue a life. Your strength to fill that gap of need Kidner [ 3 ] speculates that children are in view but...