So what stands out to me in this chapter, is how Solomon flip flops. What does that mean? When reading through this chapter, he starts off by saying what we don’t need (to be motivated by success and envy what our neighbor has) or what is bad (all the oppression and tears that take place under the sun.). This is the bad thought, but then he switches to something good, or what we should have…and that is a companion (we’ll come back to this thought.)  Then lastly, he goes back and talks about what is bad or something that we shouldn’t chase…political power (because someone will eventually just replace you, like you replaced someone else.)

So lets look back at the happy thought of Solomon telling us what we need, or what would be good for us. Companionship is something that seems to be very slim nowadays, with the divorce rate being way too high, you have people who think they can find companionship with someone of the same sex, and flat out, the idea that people have created about companionship doesn’t line up with the Word of God.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. So this is the picture that Solomon paints for us about companionship and what it can do for you. The part that sticks out to me most, brings me back to my brothers wedding. “Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Three…that would be you, your spouse, and then the most important piece…God. 

If God is not apart of your marriage…your marriage will be very difficult, and guess what, divorce is the easy way out. Don’t get me wrong, a healthy marriage with your spouse and God may have its difficulties, but it has a way better chance of pushing through the problems and struggles. 

I’ll say it again, just like Solomon says every time, most of what we do is absolutely pointless…if God is not apart of it. Everything will fade away. God will live on forever. Our spirit will live on forever…either with Him in Heaven, or apart from Him in hell. It’s up to you.