Ecclesiastes 4
The Vanity of Labor and Isolation
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. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 3:16, 5:8, Job 35:9, Psalms 12:5, 42:3, 42:9, Isaiah 5:7, 51:23, 59:7, Matthew 26:56 +5
2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 2:17
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.
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. Spirit: Ecclesiastes 1:14, 2:26. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 2:21, 1 John 3:12
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. Parallel theme: Job 13:14, Proverbs 13:4, 20:4, Isaiah 9:20
6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Parallel theme: Psalms 37:16, Proverbs 16:8, 17:1
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
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. Good: Genesis 2:18. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 1:8, 1:13, 5:10, Psalms 39:6, Proverbs 27:20, Isaiah 5:8, Matthew 11:28, Luke 12:20, 1 John 2:16 +5
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
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. Parallel theme: Galatians 6:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Parallel theme: Ephesians 4:3
Wisdom Is Better Than Folly
13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. Kingdom: 2 Chronicles 25:16. Parallel theme: Proverbs 19:1
14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. Kingdom: 2 Kings 24:6, 24:12, Daniel 4:31. Parallel theme: Genesis 41:14, 2 Kings 25:7, Job 5:11, Lamentations 4:20 +2
15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
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 spiritSpirit: רוּחַ (Ruach). The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) means spirit, wind, or breath—invisible but powerful. It describes both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit. God's Spirit gives life and empowers His people.. Spirit: Ecclesiastes 1:14, 2:17. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 1:40