It continues to be true over and over again. Not only because of the way it will personally benefit you, but because its the greatest way to display the glory of God. September 2012 July 2013 December 2009 March 2012 But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! . Two are better than one Married life is infinitely to be preferred to this kind of life, for the very reasons alleged below, and which require no explanation. If one side fails to uphold their side of the covenant then the contract is jeopardised and these days depending on the severity of failure many people will council a married couple to then break the contract. It should be a competition to outgive the other.Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their WORK (labour). This is not speaking of your work to earn money, but the work you put into the relationship. Daniel Are We Ready for Our Journey to Eternity? September 2016 September 2018 Ecclesiastes . Respect him and celebrate his significance. Try. But Christians often use this passage to apply to Christian marriage. Reference-Verse. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 But how can one keep warm alone? (v11). ; Matthew 27:26ff. //-->, Sundays at 11am and 6pmCheney School HallCheney Lane - HeadingtonOxford - England - UKOX3 7QH, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (God-Centred Marriage), The Gospel of John Commentary Chapters 1-11 (by chapter), Pictures Of Salvation (Types and Shadows). The purpose of lying together is for warmthnot sexual intercourse. Proverbs October 2016 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; 10For 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. This speaks of emotional support that we need to give when the other needs it. He described it as chasing after the wind. 1 2 3 4 Next James and Lydia Ramseyer Wedding July 12, 2014 11:00 a.m. Over the years I've reinforced three expectations for our daughters whenever they would talk about getting married. June 2010 Bible Q&A: With Whom Did Cain and Seth Have Children? WildEyesSigns. However, if two horses are trained to work together in a harness they can pull 32,000 pounds! We read in these verses how our Lord Jesus Christ healed a leper. In moments of despair, its far better to have someone alongside you to encourage you and to combat the lies or negative thoughts that fight for your attention. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. November 2020 Thus, the marriage relationship of two the husband and wife is better than one. Both the husband and wife are commanded by God to love each other (Eph. Designed by. So, who is this 3rd Strand, who will make all the difference? July 2015 But is this a misappropriated verse? In fact, the very nature of Marriage is that two very different people are joined, so that each one gives of their strengths to fill the others weaknesseses. My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. When each of you fulfill your roles, and put each others interests before your own, God will bring warmth to your relationship. November 2018 These hands are the hands of your best friend, smooth, and carefree which are holding yours on this wedding day as she pledges her love and commitment to you for all the days of her life. [2] Kidner[3] speculates that children are in view, but this probably too specific in his estimation. These are the hands, which appear so large and strong today will work long hours for you and your family and they are the hands which will passionately love and cherish you throughout the years - the same hands will wipe away tears of sorrow and tears of joy from your eyes. 'Two are Better than One' (Ecclesiastes 4:9) Thank You for the Word of truth and the wisdom it contains . Marriage involves working and it involves walking. But this wisdom doesnt only prove itself to be true in trivial moments like this. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 meaning Solomon advocates for the benefit of human communitywhat we can do when we work together rather than against one another or alone. Might this ceremony be a proper beginning for Andera and Bradley as they commit themselves before these wittensis to pursue a Christ-centered life together. A Bruised Heart July 2019 Solomon rightly said that there are 4 rewards for companionship: 1) a companion helps you get more done, 2) a companion helps you when you are . Furthermore, it's important to remember that we ought "to pray without ceasing," (1 Thess. 7 u Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who . To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. ? ? October 2017 Im a bit of a competitive person in this area of my life, and I was concerned I would lack control to move at the pace I was comfortable with. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, March 2016 James and Lydia, your marriage will take work but you will find fruit as you toil together. Two are better than one. ? The nights back then were very cold so the couple after working and walking would need some warming. But I quickly realized there was a tremendous advantage to competing together, with a partner. 18, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983), 109. Izzy is recently married and since her big day, she's been able to add her own experience of the planning process to her articles. Our homes are quieter and plainer, perhaps, after the Christmas season. 7. What Is the Difference Between Prophetic Words and the Word of God? 5 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), 1166. As this scripture shows, such a union can provide assistance, comfort, and protection. As God is 3 Persons, yet is so united in love as to be One Being, so God made the man and woman to be distinct personalities, yet through their union of love they become as one in love, loyalty and purpose. February 2013 2:4), and biblical love requires they support one another during times of hardship (For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.) Only in the marriage relationship is the intimacy of the sexual relationship both permitted and encouraged by God (Heb. It's only the pursuit of loving God and loving others that will truly give you. Lord you are the Creator, Savior, and Designer of marriage, we call upon you this afternoon, praying that you be glorified by what takes place here. These are the hands, which will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes - eyes that will be filled with passion for you. Being in a committed marriage brings the couple permanency of having each other . Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. February 2021 And He makes this kind of love available to us, so that we can love like Him. His overall point is that all the work and hardship one goes through to acquire much wealth is ultimately vanity and a striving after wind (vs. 4, 6), especially if one is alone and thus has no one to care for and thus be motivated to work hard (vs. 7-8). "Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:9". Whatever your marriage is like today, it may be different tomorrow. Dr. Kaiser's commentary says that Ecclesiastes 9:4-5 and verse 10 present "no denial of a future state"which is true, as these verses allow for a future resurrection. Who gives this woman to be married to this man? This marriage will stand by the strength of your love and the power of faith you have in one another and also in God. These are the hands which will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times - they are the hands which will comfort you when you are sick and will console you when you grieve. We have our love for one other enhanced by Gods love, that is continually being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).This Love is deeper than a feeling - it is a commitment, a covenant commitment. December 2016 And It Was Beautiful. February 2010 What Does It Mean to Confess Our Faith in Jesus? Should Christians Partake Of Communion Every Sunday? The purpose is for each believer to serve as part of the whole. [1] Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol. June 2015 America would do well to hear and heed . But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! This is a picture of the Trinity and in a godly Marriage, we comes the closest to fulfilling His call to be the image of God. He fulfilled the Law's demand for perfect labor for God's glory. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. December 2010 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. #3. There is no one to help him get up. October 2018 But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! They love having conversations and creating community around the abundant life that Jesus promised us. In bad times the other is there to help you. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, / Because they have a good reward for their labor. See your spouse as your companion, as one who completes you, and who you are to live in communion with. This article was published in the January 2013 edition of the Puritan Reformed Journal. September 2014 Walking. February 2015 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).Faith is not just believing in a God out there somewhere, but in a God who is real and here for us, Whom we trust in, and wrap our heart and personality around. September 2019 August 2017 This kind of love is as interested in what I can give as I can get. If one individual and another individual make a twofold cord, the threefold cord must have an additional element that we can infer to be God Almighty. November 2017 It will be in heaven, too. Finally, this a good time before we leave the emotions of this event, to realize we need God every day. What does it mean to be overrighteous and overwise (Ecclesiastes 7:16)? August 2019 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 7:1-5), thus having application to Solomons point that if two lie together, they keep warm. Jesus also pointed out that it is God who is the third party in a marriage in that he is the one who joins husband and wife together (Matt. Bible Q&A: What Is The UnpardonableSin? They are strong and vibrant with love - these hands, which are resting in yours on this wedding day, are the hands of the one whom is promising to love you for all the remaining days of your life. The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man and one woman by God into a marriage relationship. August 2012 But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Alone, you shiver all night. 4:9-12 ~ Pastor Carl Crouse. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. December 2017 The beginning of this book starts out very bleakly as the author is almost shouting at the reader, Meaningless! We were made for community. January 2021 From the very beginning, God created us to be in relationship with others. TEAMWORK IS PROFITABLE - Vs. 9 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." TEAMWORK IS PROTECTIVE - Vs. 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." The difficulty of His labor in a fallen world: Hebrews 12:2ff . [3] Derek Kidner, The Message of Ecclesiastes: A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance, ed. Only marry a sold-out Christ-follower. Separate Line. Your Maker is Your Husband: The Divine Marriage Metaphor and the New Covenant Matthew Haste This article traces the biblical use of the divine marriage metaphor throughout the Scriptures revealing its unique place in revealing the contours of the new covenant. By their vows each promises to lay their own life down for the other, an absolute commitment to love the other person, independant of their performance. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. April 2015 5:17). The Christian faith has never been about solely building your relationship with Jesus, but about how the redemption received in Jesus needs to be shared with others. ? 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. No one to comfort them! April 2018 10 If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. i. This is a perfect setup into the great benefits of being in community with people. Ecclesiastes 4:9 'Two are Better Than One' is part of a larger expository study on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which shows what Solomon meant by 'the two are better than one' and apply it to two situations: marriage and the church. January 2018 This picture of Marriage is of two intertwined strands of rope, each with their own individuality and limitations, but they are better when joined and working together. August 2010 In fact He has revealed His inner nature as being 3 Persons (Father, Son and Spirit) intertwined together in one (as one Being), bound together in unity in perfect Love, just like a rope of 3 strands. The word for better is towb, "good." The writer of Ecclesiastes penned these truths thousands of years before the similar proverbs we commonly know today. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (New King James Version) here "Two are better than one, 4:11), but this doesnt necessarily mean that they are husband and wife. The first illustration is that of a traveler who falls into a pit. July 2011 This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. Hebraic Analysis for Genesis 18-1-15.pdf. J.C. Ryle Expository Thoughts On Mark - Mark 1:40-45. February 2014 They love because the Covenant requires it, not because the other deserves it. Baptist. As image-bearers of the Triune God, we too are meant to live in community with others. Look for that person today! Thus husband and wife are to wrap them themselves around each other, emotionally and physically, giving love and support "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall CLEAVE (be united) unto his wife: and they shall be ONE flesh" (Genesis 2:24).That which binds the strands is LOVE - the KEY to a SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE. When I Am Weak (Samson), June 2021 Rather than pine away for the past, Ecclesiastes says, "There is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life" (3:12). April 2020 With His help, together we are strong! 363 Banbury Road Oxford - England - UK OX2 7PL Telephone: +44 (0)1865 515086 Fax: +44 (0) 8721 107068 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. Marriage, of course, involves the closest of friendships. A good relationship has a good return on its labor. When a bride and groom are joined to each other in marriage they covenant to travel lifes road together. Messy House September 2020 Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. March 2011 For, when Michael and May Kim are joined in marriage they covenanted before God and man to travel life now together. April 2021 Copyright Guides for Brides, 2023. God's infinite unselfish Love is shown in that He gave His Son to us to save us when we only deserved His judgement (John 3:16). November 2014 August 2018 Theres actually a small shift in these four verses, a glimpse of real hope. Session 2: Seasons Change. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. September 2011 March 2019 Its within the community that the glory of God shines the brightest. This is a great illustration because marriage is like a trip or a journey. Most of what he dove into like pleasure, partying, and the pursuit of possessions left him feeling flat and unsatisfied. It truly is amazing to see the way the truths revealed in Scripture are not only true because we find them in the Bible, but because the truth is the truth. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Lexham English Bible (LEB) 9 Two are better than the one, for they enjoy a better reward for their toil. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." Ecclesiastes 4:9 (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Ecclesiastes 4:9) This means that God gave us the gift of having someone to have there, and that is committed in the relationship and becoming one with someone is better than being alone. ? And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough! May 2016 var addy51231 = 'obc.church' + '@'; Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. And It Was Beautiful. Meaningless! May 2017 Working. February 2020 This email address is being protected from spambots. The Bible teaches that marriage is to be a permanent relationship of one man and one woman freely and totally committed to each other as companions for life. Life is better with others. This interpretation could be an example of right message, but wrong passage. When we reject the help and influence of others, life takes on significant burden and hardship. In moments of temptation, it is far better to have someone beside you to keep you accountable and help prevent you from falling into sin. 7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: 8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. Chapter 4 . Leave a comment to ask questions or inspire others with your insights.In general, the previous Sunday's sermon will be posted by Tuesday afternoon. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? Gospels his father later asked? Two are better than one certainly rang true in my life on this day. Fulfilling this they are the image of God and glorify Him in their union.The kind of love needed for a lasting Marriage is a selfless, self-giving, committed, love, that puts the other first. 14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 308. There may be a tangential application to marriage. ? 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. Then you need a Third One to lift you up, to keep you lifted up. March 2013 But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. April 2016 Verse 9: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. A marriage wont make it without a lot of work but theres a reward when both work together. You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? May 2019 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. Proverbs like, two heads are better than one or no man is an island.. For he has no one to help him up. Verse Ecclesiastes 4:9. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?". 4:9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. Perfect Love gives freely without strings, giving itself continually, but not demanding anything in return. //