He makes His love available to all. January 2015 Not only is this the example we have been given, but it comes with great benefits. 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. Matthew July 2014 Our Lord declared that man shall leave his father and mother and unite with his wife in the building of a home, and the two shall become one flesh. Actually, Im honored that you asked me to bring the message. 1. (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone? Two strands alone are limited, and not stable for they can easily unravel under pressure, and slide over each other with friction, but the 3rd stand fixes the other two into place and adds its strength to them, that 3 intertwined strands are bound firmly together. July 2012 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. GOD-CENTRED MARRIAGE (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12): "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (the investment they put into their relationship): (1) If one falls down, his friend can help him up. June 2019 alertMessage = value.detail.message ?? June 2017 It will be in heaven, too. Because they have a good reward for their labor. GOD-CENTRED MARRIAGE (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12):Two are better than one,because they have a good return for their work(the investment they put into their relationship):(1) If one falls down, his friend can help him up.But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! September 2013 How are two better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9)? 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. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. It is while speaking of working hard while being alone that Solomon then says, Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Designed by. Ecclesiastes 12, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, Ephesians 5:33, Mark 10:9, Sermon Topics: Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 meaning. Look for that person today! ? The image is explained in Ecclesiastes 4:12, A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. The three-strand cord is understood to be unity between yourself, God, and another person. (See Proverbs 15:17, 17:1 .) Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Not only because of the way it will personally benefit you, but because its the greatest way to display the glory of God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV. Change). (3) Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Two are better than one (if they are united that is!). James and Lydia, your marriage will take work but you will find fruit as you toil together. 10 For if they fall, one will help up his companion. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; 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. Warming. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. 19:6), thus finding application in Solomon's statement that "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." So to sum up, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 as written in its context is not talking about married couples. October 2009 Furthermore, it's important to remember that we ought "to pray without ceasing," (1 Thess. Love does not keep a list of their faults and failures, for both bring strengths and weaknesses to the relationship. his father later asked? Lydia, your word is respect. "Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:9". March 2012 Yes, Solomon is saying that you should find sexual pleasure with her. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. Evidence Unseen 2023. 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. What Does It Mean to Confess Our Faith in Jesus? "There is nothing sadder in the whole book than the wistful glance in Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 at the dead and the unborn, who are spared the sight of so much anguish." (Kidner) ii. February 2020 Session 2: Seasons Change. 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. In Ecc. Is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 talking about a married couple? "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. RESPONSE: We have no problem critiquing a devotionalist use of Scripture (see Faulty Hermeneutical Systems). ; Matthew 27:26ff. That this ceremony would honor you, and reflect the seriousness of the vows to be spoken. Get our app to see bulletins, watch live video, give online, and more! 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). You seek the blessing of God on your marriage and today He gives it. Not just when we face a crisis, or tragedy strikes. Then you need a Third One to lift you up, to keep you lifted up. Fruit Of The Spirit The basis now for how they relate is not how loving the other person is, but their Covenant Vows. People are eager and appreciative when wise leadership replaces foolish. We see this in verse 11: Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. March 2016 It guarantees the feelings stay alive and protects the relationship from a downward spiral of each withdrawing love in revenge against the other being selfish. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 In-Context. Psalms And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.". Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 October 2015 4:9-12, marriage is a journey. November 2016 19:6), thus finding application in Solomons statement that a threefold cord is not quickly broken.. November 2011 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. In Chapter 2, Solomon referred to the woes of royal . This is not how we are meant to live! Respect him and celebrate his significance. September 2020 [2] Michael A. Eaton, Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 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 boy thought for a moment and answered, "If youre having a wedding, make sure Jesus is there!" Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on (literally: intertwine themselves around) the Lord will renew their strength (and love). ? How are two better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9)? October 2019 All rights reserved. He goes on to describe different aspects in life when two are better than one, such as in work, during moments of weakness, for basic survival, and during moments of attack. August 2010 4:4-8). Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. However, the principles laid out in the passages can very much indirectly apply to married couples. This is how it should be for no-one is complete in themselves. February 2019 Bibliographical Information Clarke, Adam. March 2015 In context, Solomon has nothing to say about marriage. How Do We Know What God's Best for Us Is? Bible Q&A: Is There A Difference Between "Good" and "Righteous"? Because they have a good reward for their labor. September 2014 Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. If God is not placed first in every liaison that we human beings make (marriage, friendship, or church fellowship) the relationship will be short lived. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage. December 2019 August 2018 Bible Q&A: Will There Be Romantic Affection in Heaven? These are the hands, which will work along side you and will build your future, as you laugh and cry as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Eve was created to be Adams companion and his helper in all things. What a privilege it is to share this exciting day with Andera and Bradley. March 2020 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 Bible calls us to stay in unity with one another, to lift each other up, to encourage each other, and even to bear one anothers burdens. Ecclesiastes: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom & Psalms by Craig Bartholomew. Who gives this woman to be married to this man? The last portion of the passage refers to a threefold cord. Marriage February 2016 Marriage is often described as getting hitched. That makes me think of two animals yoked together and hitched to a heavy wagon. Marriage is sacred in the eyes of God, He instutited the very first marriage, so it is not only important for these two to take the vows seriously but equaly important for us as family and friends to honor their marraige and to do all we can to nuture and enrich it. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. After describing the roles in marriage, the Apostle Paul gives a one-verse summary of each of your responsibilities in Ephesians 5:33: However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.. April 2010 And It Was Beautiful. The GREATEST KEY to a successful Marriage is in the final mysterious statement:A cord of 3 strands is not quickly broken.This is scientifically accurate (3 intertwined strands, no more, no less, is the strongest kind of rope). CLAIM: The book of Ecclesiastes is a view of human purpose apart from God. July 2015 verba Ecclesiastes filii David regis Hierusalem. Matthew 26:41-42 - your will be done. document.getElementById('cloak51231').innerHTML += ''+addy_text51231+'<\/a>'; November 2014 December 2017 Verse Only. None of us are meant to journey through life alone. Listen to verse 10: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Many allude to two are better than one referring to marriage. Treasury of Scripture Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. December 2010 But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! The writer of Ecclesiastes penned these truths thousands of years before the similar proverbs we commonly know today. August 2014 Izzy has been writing about weddings for nearly 10 years. One of the keywords in these verses is better. The writer is stating that a better way, a more fruitful way to live life is alongside other people. It was God who taught us to love. However, if they wrap themselves around each other , through their union they form something stronger than 2 individual strands, for they give strength to each other through their union. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. This article was published in the January 2013 edition of the Puritan Reformed Journal. 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. Marriage exists because God observed that it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him (Gen. 2:18-24). February 2012 James told me that he went to a wedding where the pastor preached a 45-minute Christ-centered sermon. And He makes this kind of love available to us, so that we can love like Him. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. are Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. March 2017 You can connect with Dale and Tamara at herandhymn.com. January 2011 My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. But how can one keep warm alone? #1. But Christians often use this passage to apply to Christian marriage. . July 2017 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. 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. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. Share the work, share the wealth. This is a perfect setup into the great benefits of being in community with people. J.C. Ryle Expository Thoughts On Mark - Mark 1:40-45. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. The beginning of this book starts out very bleakly as the author is almost shouting at the reader, Meaningless! 11 Also if two lie together, they can keep each other warm. How to Love a Friend. 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." You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. Master Bedroom Wall Decor, Ecclesiastes 4 12, Marriage Wall Decor, A Cord of Three Strands Wedding Sign, Marriage Scripture, Unframed Prints ElevationBoutique (147) $19.99 FREE shipping A Cord of Three Strands Is Not Easily Broken wood framed cross sign, Unity ceremony alternative, Wedding rope ceremony, Ecclesiastes 4:12 TwistedGroveDesigns Whatever hardships we face, our Marriage will be a success, if we turn to God in the good and bad times, asking for His help and to fill us with His Love, and then respond to each other consistently in unconditional Love. Marriage: A Cord of Three Strands ~ Ecc. 9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. ANALYSIS. It will be a good investment.Return 1: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. March 2021 September 2017 Help her to know that she is secure in your love. Our homes are quieter and plainer, perhaps, after the Christmas season. January 2014 May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. The word for better is towb, "good." But its not only in the wisdom literature that we see the benefits of community, this is actually a principle all throughout Scripture. Who You Were Made To Be // Going Deeper. 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. (LogOut/ When someone is good at their job, it can cause others to be jealous of them (v. 4). November 2010 But how can one keep warm alone? Solomon tells another story that addresses a subject which we know is close to his heart. "Be Still and Know that I Am God" "Pray Without Ceasing" "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made""All Things Work Together for Good" "Do Not Fear". Loving Lord and Heavenly Father, I pray that I would always invite You into every relationship in my life and seek Your guidance in every decision I make. April 2016 How Should Christians Respond to Feeling Stuck in Life? This also is a vanity 1 and a striving after wind. 7 u Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who . 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. June 2012 I want to be your daddy, not the pastor who does your wedding. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Love Lydia with all that you have, loving her like you love yourself, and even more. Praying through Ecclesiastes 4:9 Heavenly Father, thank You for this simple truth that impacts our lives that two are better than one and for the privilege we have, as the Body of Christ, to support and encourage one another in the work that You have given us to do. September 2018 April 2020 Zechariah: A Prophecy About Idolatry and UncleanSpirits, Church Discipline: Lets Answer SomeQuestions, Zechariah: They Will Look On Me Whom They HavePierced, Church Discipline: Theres More to beSaid, Zechariah: The House of David Shall Be LikeGod. It's only the pursuit of loving God and loving others that will truly give you. You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? December 2014 Verse Ecclesiastes 4:9. Romans At SACC we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. MAN, would you please take Andreas hands, palms up, so that you may see them for the gifts, which they are to you. I promise I won't share your e-mail address with anyone. Separate Line. 6 //-->, 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). Two together can accomplish four times as much when they work as one! This interpretation could be an example of right message, but wrong passage. lets extend it to the marriage as well ~ make sure Jesus is there! The mission of God is carried out through the entire body of Christ as we work together with one another. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Reflection None of us are meant to journey through life alone. 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. Instead they inspire one another to greater things by their love. It knows that the beloved is not perfect and will make mistakes. God himself is a relational God. When I Am Weak (Samson), June 2021 (4,071) $15.00. James, your word is love. 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. With a friend you can face the worst. Last week we talked about those crazy and amazing vows as the foundation for marriage, the need to give and keep our commitments, the craving for stability in our fragile world. Some of His most famous parables flow out of the context of marriage. The principle of two being better than one can be applied to any partnership or aspect of life. December 2018 God is the Third Cord in your marriage. 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. September 2019 March 2018 The traditional view of authorship is that King Solomon wrote this wisdom literature. 2 So, rather than the living who still have lives to live, I congratulate the dead who have already met . So, who is this 3rd Strand, who will make all the difference? The wise person will work side by side with another, enjoying a good reward and finding help in times of need. This is much of the thread that is followed throughout the first four chapters, until we arrive at verse 9-12. Everything was empty until he reflected on relationships in chapter 4. Gospels 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 . 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. However, the principles laid out in these verses in the context of talking about the value of having friends in the workplace also have application to marriage. When one of you falls or is opposed in some way at work, having friends to back you up and help you is a good thing. Check. May 2012 Contextually, Solomon is talking about the work a person does with his hands (Eccl. Life is better when theres more than one of us. He is the One who promises to lift you up. The response to their weakness is to offer your strength to fill that gap. Depending on the date ascribed to this book, the author might be different. ? J. Alec Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today (England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1984), 51. When I Am Weak (Samson) I assumed that he didnt want theirs that long so I said, So, you dont want anything real preachy or long, right? He quickly replied, Actually, I do want it Christ-centered, preachy and long!, Ill aim for two out of three because I dont think the rest of us can handle long today, Becca just read from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is a journal that describes the journey King Solomon took in his search for significance and meaning in life. But this wisdom doesnt only prove itself to be true in trivial moments like this. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. This is what life is all about. That is false. June 2020 February 2017 As I looked at the list of workouts I knew there were certain areas where I would score low, because they were areas of weakness. October 2013 document.getElementById('cloak51231').innerHTML = ''; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV. What does it mean to be overrighteous and overwise (Ecclesiastes 7:16)? Garrett writes, It is an image derived from that of travelers who must lie beside each other to stay warm on cold desert nights.[1]. 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. (LogOut/ ? Proverbs And It Was Beautiful. Over the years Ive reinforced three expectations for our daughters whenever they would talk about getting married. 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. Easter A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. This speaks of emotional support that we need to give when the other needs it. Marriage, of course, involves the closest of friendships. Its within the community that the glory of God shines the brightest. 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. August 2015 This kind of love is as interested in what I can give as I can get. If you work at giving your strength where they are weak, you will recieve a good return from their strength.Return 2: Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. July 2011 Dr. Michael H. Koplitz, DMin, PhD f Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The main di erences between the Greek method and Hebraic method of teaching Once you are aware of the two teaching styles, you will be able to determine if you are in a class or reading a book, whether the analysis and/or . Golden Spirit: Joseon Marriage Prohibition, Geumhonryung, Joseon's Ban on Marriage, Joseon Marriage Ban, Geumhonryeong: Joseon Honin Geumjiryeong, : . November 2012 May 2020 How to Love a Friend. Love is accepting and forgiving (knowing how much we need forgiveness helps us forgive). 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. August 2016 Looking for a religious wedding reading? Solomon transitions into a pragmatic commentary likely spurred by the story of the lonely workaholic. This is a great illustration because marriage is like a trip or a journey. CLAIM: The book of Ecclesiastes is a view of human purpose apart from God. Two are better than one. Never give up. July 2013 January 2018 The Forbidden Marriage. A Bruised Heart As Christians we have all the material we need to build a strong Marriage. Wishing for the past or the future, one fails to appreciate the richness of the present. Its through relationship with others and God that we truly live the life God created for us. December 2011 'bg-green-500'; 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 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. September 2016 2/14/2019. Many have used this passage as part of their marriage ceremony, and it is certainly appropriate. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, / Because they have a good reward for their labor. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Mark April 2019 But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.". January 2013 Read the Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But I quickly realized there was a tremendous advantage to competing together, with a partner. Session 3: The Burdens and Blessings of Wealth. September 2015 For he has no one to help him up. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. And not just in times of crisis. We see five foundations for marriage in these verses. Bible Q&A: With Whom Did Cain and Seth Have Children? The power their oppressors wield. But how can one keep warm alone? Being in a committed marriage brings the couple permanency of having each other . May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. 9 Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. 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. Copyright Statement These files are public domain. April 2018 Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. Amos When one falls (in sin or discouragement), others may kick him when he is down, but his partner should restore him (lift him up) in a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1).
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