It seems that Solomon has a change of mind realising that the peace at the end of chapter 3 is unstable and he considers the oppressed who have no peace and no one to comfort them (v1). Even the oppressor has no comforter. We have only to look around us today and see those who are oppressed and their sad state. It is depressing just as it seemed to Solomon. How important it is that we spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, not that it automatically takes people out of poverty and other problems because there will always be those who take advantage and oppress the downtrodden, but it changes our minds and outlook and God gives us a peace which passes understanding. The oppressors will only find true peace when they too receive Jesus Christ into their lives. Bullying may seem advantageous for a time but it never satisfies. God’s peace is something which the world cannot give.
Solomon reached the point that the thought of lack of justice for oppression and victimisation was so depressing that both would be better off if they had never existed (v2,3). He seems to have no thought of eternity, everything is ‘under the sun’ here and now. This life is all that there is. His situation is so sad, he’s moved a long way from The God who granted him wisdom and everything else.
We often get depressed at the situation in our world but we must look beyond and see the works of God. Jesus said that those who misuse their power will be punished (Matthew 18:6,7). Thank God we don’t all live in a regime which oppresses as many do. When we have Jesus Christ we have everything to live for, our future is in His hands. We have a future to face and to get to the point that we would be better off dead is tragic. The Apostle Paul said that whatever state he was in he had learned to be content (Philippians 4:11).
One might wonder what Solomon did with his time. I suppose being king he had plenty of it as others did his bidding. He sees the problems of life when one would have thought he was aloof and didn’t notice. He now sees that a person’s work is envied by his neighbour (v4-6) and the bottom line is useless. It is not difficult to see that we are envied when we have success. Jealousy creeps in. On the other hand he sees the fool who simply folds his hands and does nothing and in the end he wastes away and destroys himself. We cannot opt out of living. He concludes that it is better to have less and be content than to have both hands full and grasping for more. There is nothing wrong with ambition so long as it is controlled by The Lord. High position and responsibility can be burdensome and affect us in many ways.
How sad that Solomon sees more ‘vanity’ and says, “There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labours, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, “For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?” This also is vanity and a grave misfortune (v7,8).” Alone, no family, no friends! I’m assuming that Solomon is not speaking of himself being alone, after all he had several hundred wives and concubines. But you can be lonely in a crowd and sadly, all his entourage didn’t bring him companionship. In fact it meant he was more lonely. Just imagine trying to keep all of them happy all the time!
I suppose the man works to gain more because he is thinking about himself and then it strikes him that he has no-one to share it with or leave it to. This is vanity and even a grave misfortune. One writer says that this is a picture of lonely, pointless busyness. It dies with him.
The benefits of a friend (v9-12)– “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
It is not good to be alone when considering the pointlessness of life. Two can accomplish more than one and if they fall, one can lift the other up. Two can help each other when things get difficult. It is a fact that body heat is effective in terms of keeping each other warm but also helping each other. These verses show the value of relationships. Wealth and work are no substitute for relationships and companionship
He adds an interesting phrase at the end – “And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” So far he has been referring to a relationship of two but now a threesome. This phrase is usually used in reference to God being the third cord. It is often used at weddings when encouraging the couple to make sure that they include God in their relationship. A three-ply cord was often used in times of old. In any relationship, whether marriage or business it is vital that we include God in our plans. It lasts longer and is far more dependable. We should never think of entering a marriage without God and if we are believers the same goes for any relationship or business. God recognises the importance of friendship, in Hebrews13:5 He says, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ This was also the promise to Joshua (Joshua 1:5)
Fame is short-lived yet many people yearn for it in various fields – sport, music, entertainment, work to name but a few.However, in most of these it doesn’t last and goes up in a puff of smoke. “Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom. I saw all the living who walk under the sun; They were with the second youth who stands in his place. There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind”. (v13-16)
How often have we seen that popularity and fame leave people dejected and sad. Tony Hancock the famous comedian, made us all laugh, but deep down he was sad and eventually it was thought that he took his own life. Popularity and fame is like grasping for the wind. One of the finest footballers of my time, George Best, it is thought that he virtually drank himself to death.
Solomon says that it is better to be a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king even with great wealth.
