Ecclesiastes 4

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The author reflects on the inequalities and oppressions of life, such as the suffering of the poor, and how it is a result of the pursuit of wealth and power.

Ecclesiastes 4

16
verses
●
2
min

Meet the heroes of Ecclesiastes

photo of biblical Bette
Bette

Inequality and Oppression

1 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.
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.
2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
<a href="/bible/biblical-figures/Bette">Bette</a>r is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
<a href="/bible/biblical-figures/Bette">Bette</a>r is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
16 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.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4 is a chapter that speaks to the importance of companionship and the value of having someone to share life with. The author begins by noting that it is better to have a companion than to be alone, as two people can help each other in times of need. He then goes on to describe the benefits of having a companion, such as having someone to share joys and sorrows with, and having someone to help with work. The author also speaks of the importance of having a good reputation, as it can bring honor and respect. The author then goes on to describe the vanity of life, noting that all of our efforts are ultimately in vain. He speaks of the futility of striving for wealth and power, as these things are fleeting and can be taken away in an instant. He also speaks of the importance of enjoying life, as it is the only thing that truly matters. Overall, Ecclesiastes 4 is a chapter that speaks to the importance of companionship and the value of having someone to share life with. It also speaks to the vanity of life and the importance of enjoying it while we can.

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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the Ecclesiastes, chapter 4 it would take approximately 2 minutes to finish.

There are 16 verses in Ecclesiastes, chapter 4.