Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 – Partnership strengthens

We can never be fully satisfied by the things we have acquired. So, in verses 4-6 the preacher exhorted us to live life with great contentment. We are advised not just to get, grab and hoard. For life is not defined by what we have. As Christians, we know that our lives are defined by who we become. It is not what we have but who we know that will make our life qualitatively different. Daniel 11:32 tells us that the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits. Our all-consuming passion must surely be to live for Christ. Let us be found living with great contentment in Him. Besides contentment, the preacher suggests in Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 that we should work harmoniously with others.

To bring about greater effectiveness in life, apart from being contented with what we have and where we are, we need to work harmoniously and unitedly with others. God has called us into partnership with fellow members of the community. Verses 7-8 paint for us the sad tale of one who live for himself and by himself. Though this man is not mentioned by name, he lives a very solitary life. He basically lives and does everything for himself. Verse 7 seems to be describing a person who is not married. Thus, he has no son. And he also did not have a brother, someone whom he could confide and consult with. Being alone, he slots it out. He did not even pause to ask needful questions. This lonely person puts in hours of his life working from dawn to dust but to what purpose? No matter how much he has amassed, he has no one to share and rejoice with. It is such a sad end to labor so hard and never had the satisfaction of sharing with another. The question is: is such an isolated life worth living? The preacher could see nothing valuable in this kind of life. Here’s a lesson. Addiction to work is not worth it at all. One can end up lonely, selfish and greedy. Don’t make a nightmare out of your life. Work can be a pleasure, so don’t turn it into a chore. Don’t do it with selfish intention. Frequently ask, for who am I toiling for? Remember we are all laboring for the greater glory of Him who loves us and gave Himself for us.

There’s one way we can find true meaning to living and work. This is the recommendation of Ecclesiastes 4:9. It says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” It is certainly better to share one’s life and work. We can safely say that he wasn’t just referring to a marriage. Although in a marriage this recommendation is proven to be true over and over again. We must see this in other relationships too. God did not design us to go on a solo flight all the time. We are made to exist and thrive in community. At home, in classrooms, at work, or at play, having more participation with others is always more desirable. It is better to connect than to compete.

Why partnership is better than living and serving in isolation? In verses 10-12 we can see three positive outcomes of partnership. Firstly, partnership brings better yield to the work. The joint effort will produce a larger capacity to produce better result.    Secondly, two persons working together has available help in time of trouble or difficulty. When we have someone, we can find ready assistance. Thirdly, verse 11 tells us that two can keep each other warm. The preacher is not just thinking of a married couple, although this is certainly what will happen in a marriage. This verse also includes pilgrims traveling together through cold freezing weather. They could sleep back to back and provide warmth for each other. The principle is about providing warmth that has no sexual connotation. If we stretch our mind further, we know that when a Christian live without being part of a community, he cannot find the Christian life and warmth of a fellowship. He deprives himself or herself from the warm loving care of fellow sojourners in the faith. Let us seek to live in close proximity with the people of God.

Verse 12 indicates something that will make all relationships stronger. I like to see this as an emphasis of a relationship that includes the Lord. He is the third strand of the cord in any Christian relationship. When we factor Jesus into our relationship in life, we find strength and unity. He is the friend of friends. Without a doubt, Jesus is the best friend we need most in any relationship. Truly, we have a great friend in Him. Regardless of whatever that may come our way, He will take us into His arms, and there we will find divine solace. Be in partnership with Jesus and don’t break it!