In this chapter, Solomon continues providing examples of life being meaningless. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and the victims are helpless. So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world. (Wow! Even in all of my most difficult times in my life, combined together…I would choose life over death, 100%! It is clear that Solomon is not in his right mind.)
Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.
Foolish people refuse to work and almost starve. They feel it is better to be lazy and barely survive than to work hard, especially when in the long run everything is so futile.
The Advantages of Companionship
I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Wisdom or simply common sense?)
The futility of Political Power
It is better to be a poor but wise youth than to be an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could come from prison and succeed. He might even become king, though he was born in poverty. Everyone is eager to help such a youth, even to help him take the throne. He might become the leader of millions and be very popular. But then the next generation grows up and rejects him! So again, it is all meaningless like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4) (Wow…Solomon’s logic seems “meaningless”. His ideas about companionship, a child would have concluded. Yes, leaders are rejected all of the time, but does that make life meaningless? Solomon must be extremely depressed. The wisest person on the planet is not making much sense.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! No matter how difficult life gets for each of us, help us recognize the beauty of your presence in our lives, for you make ALL things better! Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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