The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Thirdly, avarice causes isolation and a sense of insecurity, and brings no satisfaction. read more
伝道の書 4:7-12 Jc
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:8
There is one alone, and there is not a second ; or, without a second— a solitary being, without partner, relation, or friend. Here, he says, is another instance of man's inability to secure his own happiness. Wealth indeed, is supposed to make friends, such as they are; but miserliness and greed separate a man from his fellows, make him suspicious of every one, and drive him to live alone, churlish and unhappy. Yea, he hath neither child nor brother ; no one to share his wealth, or for... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:9
Koheleth dwells upon the evils of isolation, and contrasts with them the comfort of companionship. Two are better than one . Literally, the clause refers to the two and the one mentioned in the preceding verse; but the gnome is true in general. "Two heads are better than one," says our proverb. Because ( asher here conjunctive, not relative) they have a good reward for their labor. The joint labors of two produce much more effect than the efforts of a solitary worker. Companionship is... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:10
Koheleth illustrates the benefit of association by certain familiar examples. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow . If one or the other fall, the companion will aid him. The idea is that two travelers are making their way over a rough road—an experience that every one must have had in Palestine. Vulgate, Si unus ceciderit . Of course, if both fell at the same time, one could not help the other. Commentators quote Homer, 'Iliad,' 10.220-226, thus rendered by Lord Derby— ... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:11
The first example of the advantage of companionship spoke of the aid and support that are thus given; the present verse tells of the comfort thus brought. If two lie together, then they have heat. The winter nights in Palestine are comparatively cold, and when, as in the case of the poorer inhabitants, the outer garment worn by day was used as the only blanket during sleep ( Exodus 22:26 , Exodus 22:27 ), it was a comfort to have the additional warmth of a friend lying under the same... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:12
The third instance shows the value of the protection afforded by a companion's presence when danger threatens. If one prevail against him, two shall withstand him ; better, if a man overpower the solitary one , the two ( Ecclesiastes 4:9 ) will withstand him . The idea of the traveler is continued. If he were attacked by robbers, he would be easily overpowered when alone; but two comrades might successfully resist the assault. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. This is... read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation.Ecclesiastes 4:8A second - Any one associated or connected with him.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Compare a saying from the Talmud: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.” read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 4:8
Ecclesiastes 4:8. There is one alone Who has none but himself to care for. Yea, he hath neither child nor brother To whom he may leave his vast estate; yet is there no end of his labours He lives in perpetual restlessness and toil. Neither is his eye satisfied His covetous mind or desire, fitly expressed by the eye, both because the eye is frequently the incentive to this sin of covetousness, (Joshua 7:21,) and because the covetous man hath no good by his riches, save the beholding... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 4:9
Ecclesiastes 4:9. Two Or more, who live together in any kind of society, and join their powers together in pursuit of any important object; are better than one Act more cheerfully, and accomplish their designs more readily, than any of them could do in a solitary state; because they have a good reward for their labour Have great benefit by such combinations and conjunctions of their counsels and abilities, whereby they exceedingly support, encourage, and strengthen each other, and... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:7
Then I returned . Another reflection serves to confirm the uselessness of human efforts. The vanity under the sun is now avarice, with the evils that accompany it. read more