Chapter 4 deals with the inequalities of life and Solomon express regret about the terrible acts of oppression, the shocking discrimination, and the lust to control the minds of others, by certain individuals that characterized the days of Solomon and is so prevalent today. Chapter 4. The advantages of mutual assistance. the changes of royalty. Verses 1-3: It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and to each other. Miseries from oppression. troubles from envy. The folly of covetousness. (7,8) The Preacher wants to talk to us about the following subjects: oppression, work, companionship, wisdom, God, riches, and enjoying life. And really, what more is there to life?
Let’s read Ecclesiastes chapter 4:1-16:
So, I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yes better is he then they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. The fool folded his hands together and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, for whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a sore travail. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. For out of prison, he cometh to reign, whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I believe that I would always invite You into every relationship in my life and seek Your guidance in every decision that I make. Let me remain from being enticed into worldly ways or seeking after the empty values life has to offer. I thank You and praise You for the Word of truth and the wisdom it contains. Let me learn the lessons that life teaches as I keep my eyes looking to You and my ears open to Your direction and correction Lord Jesus. I believe I will stand firm, stay true, resist the enemy, maintain the unity of the spirit in a bond of faith and peace. Do not let me fall prey to an alternative philosophy or unwholesome mindset. I thank You and praise You for simple truth. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:18
"Only Life Changes" 