Ecclesiastes 4 “Living as a Comforter”

Ecclesiastes 4 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• I Am Not Alone – Kari Jobe
• Be Still – Hillsong Worship
• The Blessing – Elevation Worship ft. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes

Resources for Family Worship (with Children)

• The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) by Saddleback Kids – Lesson for Younger Kids
• Agape – Love by Bibleproject – Lesson for Older Kids
• Made For This | Maker Fun Factory VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Won’t Be Afraid | Cross Culture Norway VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• In You Alone | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Teacher continues to describe the meaningless realities he has observed. “Oppression” (v. 1) refers to the reality faced by the socially vulnerable within unjust social structures. “Comfort” (menaḥem) does not mean emotional consolation but an act that relieves the situation of oppression. Within absurd and unjust social systems, the weak are helplessly sacrificed, yet there is no one to set things right. Because of this perception of reality, the Teacher falls into extreme pessimism, concluding that the dead are better off than the living, and that those who have never been born are better off than the dead (vv. 2–3).

The reason injustice and absurdity have become so severe in the world is people’s competitive drive to possess more than others (v. 4). People say that working hard to win in competition is a wise choice. Still, even that is like chasing the wind (v. 5). It is better to be content and step away from the endless race of competition (v. 6). “Peaceful rest” is a translation of the Hebrew word nahat, which refers to a sense of ontological stability.

The Teacher observes the futile struggle of a person who lives alone, working endlessly. That person values possessions more than relationships. Material things are more important than people. He may think that becoming wealthy will earn him love from others, but no matter how much he accumulates, it is never enough (vv. 7–8). The Teacher says it is better to invest in people rather than cling to possessions. When people work together, the results are better, and they can help one another (vv. 9–12).

The Teacher’s observation of social problems then shifts to a focus on national leadership. He contrasts “an old but foolish king” with “a poor but wise youth” (v. 13). What matters is not one’s background or experience, but one’s wisdom as a leader. The people will honor and follow a wise leader (vv. 14–15). Yet even a once-admired king is forgotten after death, and that too is meaningless (v. 16).

Meditation:

As the Teacher looks at the evil realities of this world, he says that the dead are better off than those who are alive and suffering, and that those who have never been born are better off than the dead. This reminds me of the words of a pessimistic philosopher I read during my youth. That philosopher claimed that human life is meaninglessly thrown into this world through a single night of intimacy between a man and a woman, and that what follows after birth is nothing but sorrow and suffering. Therefore, he argued that it is most blessed either not to be born at all or to be born and die early. It is said that many young people, captivated by such claims, took their own lives. Yet the very person who made those assertions lived a long life.

If, as we look at reality, we find ourselves thinking that it would be better to die or better never to have been born, we may need to seek out a psychiatrist or counselor. In the affairs of the world and of life, negative and positive realities are intertwined. When we become excessively immersed in negative realities, we are weighed down by the feeling that “it would be better to die than to live like this.” But in this world, there are far more reasons to live than reasons to die. When we look at the testimonies of those who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp, often called a “death camp,” we see that even in such circumstances, people found meaning and reasons to keep living.

Yet merely living through such circumstances and surviving is not everything. We must look after those who are oppressed and suffering like us and embrace one another. As the saying goes, “If two lie down together, they will keep warm” (v. 11). When those who suffer comfort one another, bearing the pain becomes much easier. Going one step further, we must strive to change oppressive social structures. When those who suffer join forces, they can bring about change, even if only a little. That is why the Teacher says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). The “comforter” (v. 1) the Teacher was seeking is precisely this kind of person.

The Chinese characters for the word “life” can be understood as “a command to live.” Being born is a great blessing. Even in situations where there seems to be no reason to live, being alive is a holy and beautiful thing. To live in this way, striving to make the world a more livable place, and then, at the time God allows, to accept death in faithful obedience—this is what we hope for.

Prayer:

We give infinite thanks for the one life You have given us. We also thank You for allowing us to live in this beautiful world, together with these lovely people. Do not let us fall into the foolishness of enjoying this grace only for ourselves. Help us to look around us and live comfortably. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God gives us life as a gift, and we are called to live not alone, but as people who comfort, protect, and walk together—especially with those who are hurting. Life is precious, and when we care for one another, God’s warmth and hope grow stronger among us.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • Who helps you feel warm, safe, or cared for when you are sad or scared?
  • How can you be a “comforter” to a friend this week?
  • God made you alive today—what is one thing you are thankful for about being alive?
    
• Youth:
  • Why do you think life feels harder when we try to handle everything alone?
  • When have you felt stronger because someone stood with you—even quietly?
  • What is one small way you can be a “comforter” at school, church, or online?