March 7, 2026, Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
March 7, 2026, Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done
under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one
to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was
no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the
dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still
alive. 3 But better than both is he who has
not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a
man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after
wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full
of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one
person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his
toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never
asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also
is vanity and an unhappy business.
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.
These verses share disappointment of human condition,
reminds us that human connection is vital, and shares that earthly
endeavors/success is limited. It reminds us that true meaning of life
comes from God and that wealth, power and fame are temporary and have no
lasting reward.
It’s easy to worry about earthly matters, distance
ourselves when troubled, and seek things of this earth. What would it
look like for you to “let go" of a worry/worries and leave it with God?
How can you learn to surrender to Him?
Dear Father, thank You that I can let go of all my worries,
fears, and anxieties, knowing that You're in complete control of my life and
will keep me from falling. (Taken from Daily Bread)
Robin Adams
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