14/1/22. Study 12. Ecclesiastes 4:9-13

 

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. ¹⁴ For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. ¹⁵ I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place. ¹⁶ There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

 

1. a) What do verses 4:9-12 teach us about work and community? 

Community and cooperation is essential for effective labour. This is in contrast to strife and envy of one's neighbour. (v.4-6)

A 'good reward' is payment for work done (i.e. not a gift). This speaks of an increased likelihood of an equitable return for effort, rather than a random outcome. In so far as we are able to control outcomes, cooperation is helpful. Specialisation allows greater productivity.

The reason given is that there is opportunity for mutual support - we cover for one another's weaknesses (v.10-11), we comfort and protect one another against external circumstances (v.11) and enemies (v.12). So community results in profit, safety and strength.

Gal 6:1-5 is an NT passage that reminds us of our responsibility to care for one another, and yet our ultimate accountability as individuals before God.

b) In context, what is the 'threefold cord" (v.12)? 

This is not primarily a reference to the presence of God in a 2-party relationship, but an illustration of the above truth that plurality/unity is strength.

c) Given that companionship and cooperation appear to have so many advantages, why might we find it difficult to enter into a context where this is possible?

Because it’s slow. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

Because we want our way.

Because it's hard to trust people.

Because we are often selfish and want greater benefits when we think we put in greater work.

Because our goals/agendas are different.

Because our working principles can be different even though our goals are the same.

d) In terms of your need for people, are you primarily a dependent or independent person? Do you accept that interdependence is the Biblical norm? 

I am an independent person by upbringing, but I agree that in heaven we will all be cooperating. Each individual is ultimately individually responsible before the Lord ( 'It is before his own master that he stands or falls', Rom 14:4), and yet we are called to bear one another's spiritual burdens (Gal 6:2)

Ecclesiastes reminds us that if we are competent in particular areas we are asked to give more of ourselves to others in helping them. 

 

 2. a) In 4:13-16 what lessons are we meant to learn from from Qoheleth's illustration?

Old leaders often refuse to see other points of view and can see everything only through the lens of their own experiences. There are weaknesses of old age just as there are lusts and weaknesses of youth (cf. 2 Tim 2:22)

 

The young leader who brings fresh perspective is effective and popular initially, but even he will be subsequently forgotten even though he was truly wise. All leadership, whether sacred or secular, has its limits. A discontented people are discontented even with their leaders.

 

b) Do you see yourself as an ‘established’ leader in church or secular life, or are you more of an ‘up and coming’ outsider? What lessons can you draw from Ecclesiastes in both contexts?

"Leadership" combines the ideas of influence, authority and responsibility. 

Ecclesiastes teaches us to understand the limits of the best we can be, and warns us against strife and personal agendas. Qoheleth warns us also that people may not appreciate or remember the best leaders.