Ecclesiastes 4

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Day 12

Observations

  • Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbour. This also is vanity[a] and a striving after wind. (v4)
  • The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. (v5-6)
  • 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. (v7-8)
  • 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! (9-10)

Meaning

  • Working out of spite and envy for our neighbour is like striving after the wind
  • However, the fools are also the ones who do nothing
  • It is better to be at peace and be grateful for what you have than be full of things but also full of stress and toil
  • Solomon reminds us that it is better to be with other brother and sisters because they can help lift us up. When we fail, others can encourage and help lift us back up


Application

  • Working hard just to gain better things from the world is futile. What's important is why I do things (the means behind it all)
  • I should be encouraging and supporting my brothers who might feel alone because it can be very damaging and detrimental to their souls


Prayer

  1. I would be friendly and approaching to other brothers to encourage them in their walk
  2. I would remember why I work and that everything on this earth is not mine - but God's





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