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Ecclesiastes 4:2-12

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2 So I declare that the dead, who have already died, are more fortunate than the living, who are still alive.
3 But happier than both are those who have never existed, who haven't witnessed the terrible things that happen under the sun.

Envy and loneliness

4 I also observed that people work hard and become good at what they do only out of mutual envy. This too is pointless, just wind chasing.
5 Fools fold their hands and eat their own flesh.
6 But better is resting with one handful than working hard for two fistfuls and chasing after wind.
7 Next, I saw under the sun something else that was pointless:
8 There are people who are utterly alone, with no companions, not even a child or a sibling. Yet they work hard without end, never satisfied with their wealth. So for whom am I working so hard and depriving myself of enjoyment? This too is pointless and a terrible obsession.
9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work.
10 If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don't have a companion to help them up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone?
12 Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn't easily snap.
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Images for Ecclesiastes 4:2-12

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Ecclesiastes 4:12

Ecclesiastes 4:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 4

In this chapter the wise man reassumes the consideration of the case of the abuse of power, to show that there is no happiness in this world, in grandeur and authority enjoyed; since, as he had observed before, on the one hand, the oppressor shall be judged and condemned at the great day of account; so, on the other hand, the oppressed have their lives made so uncomfortable, that the dead are preferred unto them, and unborn persons to them both, Ec 4:1-3; Another vanity he observes, that whereas men expect to be happy by their diligence and industry, this brings upon them the envy of others, Ec 4:4; hence some, on the other hand, place their happiness in sloth and ease, which is another vanity, Ec 4:5,6; and others again in covetousness; who are described by their unsocial life, toilsome labour, unsatisfied desires, and withholding good things from themselves, Ec 4:7,8; upon which some things are said, to show the benefits of a social life, Ec 4:9-12. And the chapter is concluded with exposing the vanity of the highest instance of worldly power and grandeur, royal dignity, through the folly of a king; the effects of which are mentioned, Ec 4:13,14; and through the fickleness of the people, who are soon weary of a prince on the throne, and court his successor, Ec 4:15,16.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible