Esslesiastes 4: 7:12

Dos, due, deux, zwei: these are the Spanish, Italian, French and German words for two. In English, we have other words for two: pair, duo, tandem. Two are better than one. We find this explained in Ecclesiastes. Chapter 4 discusses oppression and the comfort needed to strengthen the oppressed. Who are the oppressed? Christians – countless verses in the Old and New Testaments describe the oppression believers in Christ will face.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 give us a great picture of how important it is to have a partner. In elementary school, we learn to have a buddy or partner on field trips so no one is lost. Remember your teacher asking you to hold hands with your buddy or stay with your buddy? Keep that in mind while reading.

Vs. 7 – Then I looked again at vanity under the sun.
Vs. 8 – There was a certain man without a dependent, Having neither a son nor brother, yet there was no end to his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, and for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure? This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.

Vs. 9 – Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
Vs. 10 – For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Vs. 11 – Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
Vs. 12 – And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him.

Wow! These verses clearly show us a picture of how important it is to work together. Two are better than one. When we labor alone, we labor in vain. This can be applied to marriage, friendship, or other relationships. Think about it, isn’t this a great picture of the relationship between pastor and church?

Verse 9 describes teamwork. Verse 10 outlines help and encouragement. Verse 11 mentions comfort and verse 12 discusses protection. In marriage or parent-child relationships, friendships or other relationships, shouldn’t we strive to work together, provide help and encouragement? We should comfort and protect each other. Working together as a pair, due, deux, zwei, tandem or duo is essential to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives – RIGHT!

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! It’s not about two! The final sentence in verse 12 destroys this myth!

Vs. 12 - A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

In verses 7-12a the writer thoroughly describes two, two, two, two, two and all the sudden at the end something crazy is mentioned – a cord/rope of three strands. Why is he now throwing in three instead of two? It sounds like a contradiction. How can he say two are better than one and then throw out a sentence about three? Duh! You’re way ahead of me, aren’t you? It takes three not two. Why are ropes braided with three strands? Simple – it makes them stronger. Two may be better than one but three cannot be easily torn apart. No further explanation is needed. It’s not about you and someone else. It’s about you, someone else and God.