Ecclesiastes 4
Lutheran reading notes
In Ecclesiastes chapter 4, the wisdom literature continues to explore the meaning of life and reverence for God amid life's vanity. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of {such as were} oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors {there was} power; but they had no comforter. {side: Heb. hand}
Ecclesiastes 4:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
Ecclesiastes 4:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Yea, better {is he} than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 4:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This {is} also vanity and vexation of spirit. {every...: Heb. all the rightness of work} {for this...: Heb. this is the envy of a man from his neighbour}
Ecclesiastes 4:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
Ecclesiastes 4:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
Better {is} an handful {with} quietness, than both the hands full {with} travail and vexation of spirit.
7
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 4:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
There is one {alone}, and {there is} not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet {is there} no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither {saith he}, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This {is} also vanity, yea, it {is} a sore travail.
Ecclesiastes 4:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
Two {are} better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him {that is} alone when he falleth; for {he hath} not another to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm {alone}?
Ecclesiastes 4:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Better {is} a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. {who...: Heb. who knoweth not to be admonished}
Ecclesiastes 4:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also {he that is} born in his kingdom becometh poor.
Ecclesiastes 4:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
Ecclesiastes 4:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
{There is} no end of all the people, {even} of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also {is} vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 4:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.