#10 A Twitchy Controller (Ecclesiastes 4:9-16)

Notes

This sermon on Ecclesiastes 4:9–16 explores the pros and cons of human relationships under the sun. Solomon celebrates the clear benefits of companionship—two are better than one for work, protection, warmth, and resilience—while honestly acknowledging the burdens of stubbornness, pride, and the endless cycle of disappointing leaders and generations. The preacher warns against overreacting to human sinfulness by withdrawing into isolation or expressive individualism, and instead calls listeners to invest in imperfect people. Ultimately the message points beyond human friends and kings to Jesus Christ, the perfect friend who never leaves us and the worthy king who alone can open the scroll and bring lasting joy.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind" (Ec 4:9–16).