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Eccles. 4:2–3 Some people’s circumstances are so tragic that they welcome death. The Preacher considers those who have not yet lived to be the most fortunate. This is because they have not yet seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
Eccles. 4:4–6 Much of what is achieved by human ability stems from a man’s envy of his neighbor. Here the Preacher focuses on the vanity that comes to those who make such striving their main goal in life. On the other hand, if a man folds his hands and refuses to work, he ruins himself.
Eccles. 4:7–11 Some people engage in endless toil yet are never satisfied even though they acquire great riches. On the other hand there are those who give up their jealous desires to always be the best; they discover that two are better than one as they share their work load, enjoying a good reward and finding help in hard times.
Eccles. 4:12 A threefold cord stands for the great value of being part of a larger group rather than being alone.
Eccles. 4:13–16 The Preacher recalls an example of the temporary results of wisdom. In contrast to an old and foolish king, there once was a poor and wise youth who managed to rise above his humble beginnings and ascend to the throne. Yet later generations would not rejoice in him; his success and popularity, though gained by true wisdom, did not last.
The ESV Global Study Bible
Copyright © 2012 by Crossway.
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Used by permission.
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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