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"Two are better than one"

Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9

A BETTER PROPOSITION

Solomon suggests that being a loner is not a wise approach to life. One must at least have a good friend in life.

“Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

1. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour”

a) As a norm, two are better than one.

b) This was suggested, as the better alternative to being a loner (Ecclesiastes 4:8).

c) Reason:

i) They labour together.

ii) Both will benefit.

iii) Both can end up doing very well.

2. “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion”

a) If one person falls, he will have help.

b) His companion will be able to provide needed assistance.

3. “But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up”

a) If a person falls and he is all alone:

i) Falling down may be understood figuratively.

ii) It may, of course, also be a literal occurrence of falling down.

iii) Life has many pitfalls.

iv) Falling down could refer to failures or setbacks.

b) He faces danger.

i) It may be a serious injury.

ii) It may even be life-threatening.

c) If he is a loner, he will not be able to receive needed help.

i) He would suffer alone.

ii) He has no one to share life’s problems with.