Ecclesiastes 4

CHAPTER 4

Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness (4:1–12)

1–3 In this chapter, the Teacher mentions a number of problems he has observed during his life, all of which contribute, he feels, to life’s meaninglessness. The first problem is the oppression of the weak by the powerful. Those who are oppressed cannot be happy and find satisfaction in their day-to-day lives (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13). The Teacher is saying: It’s sad enough to find life meaningless, but to find it cruel is even sadder.¹⁰

4–6 A second problem concerns man’s heart, his motives; in everything he does, natural (unspiritual) man is motivated by self-interest—by pride, selfishness, greed and envy (verse 4). The Teacher sees that “everyone is out for himself.” Any human activity that is not motivated by love for God is ultimately meaningless.

Some people withdraw from this self-centered activity and choose self-centered laziness instead; but they are no wiser than the others. The fool folds his hands (verse 5). This is an equally bad course, for he soon comes to ruin (see Proverbs 6:6–11).

The wisest course between “no handful” (laziness) and two handfuls (activity) is to choose one handful (verse 6)—not too much, not too little—the “handful” of tranquility, contentment (see Philippians 4:11–13).

7–8 Here the Teacher notes how meaningless it is to spend one’s life toiling for wealth and then in the end be unable to enjoy it or even pass it on to one’s family.

9–12 At least, says the Teacher, don’t go through this meaningless life alone (verse 11): Two are better than one (verse 9). And three is better yet (verse 12)—as long as the three strands are “pulling together”! Jesus Himself followed this teaching when He sent His disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7). For Christians, especially Christian couples, the “cord of three strands” has a special meaning: the third strand represents Jesus. With Jesus, the cord is not quickly broken (verse 12).

Advancement Is Meaningless (4:13–16)

13–16 Here the Teacher comments on yet another meaningless thing in life: advancement. As an example, he tells of a foolish old king who was replaced by a younger and wiser man. At first the people followed the new king (verse 15), but soon they tired of him (verse 16). The Teacher’s implication is that the young king gradually became like the foolish old king he replaced; he had made a tremendous advancement from poverty, but he ended up no better off than his predecessor. Thus even progress and advancement are meaningless; without God, humans end up no better than they were before.