Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 October 2026 Ecclesiastes 4:9.
Ecclesiastes 4:9. Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.
Well friends, this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations are over now, and it’s back to sowing and planting, or the common grind and daily task, so that we can have another awesome harvest to celebrate at next year’s Thanksgiving. Let’s hope that we didn’t overdo it, didn’t get to a state of dissipation, (smile) like Bruh Paul warned us about, and indeed exercised a modicum of circumspection so that the celebrations were joyful and without incident. And this Tuesday’s weather is certainly excellent, warm, bright and sunshiny with a decent wind, although it began as a dark and rainy morning. But who’s complaining eh? In the middle of October, we’ll take this kind of weather any day!
And today we’ll look at some wise words of Cousin Sol writing as the preacher in Ecclesiastes. He wisely advises us that ‘Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.’ (Eccl. 4:9) And that’s ever so true, because working together brings a better return on our labour. But that’s not the only reason why two together are better than one alone. No, for as Cousin Sol continues: ‘For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow (companion): but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.’ (Eccl. 4:10)
More gospel truth my fellow believers! That’s why it’s always advisable to have a companion when you are going to do things that might be dangerous or harmful, or when you are frail and fragile in old age. (smile) And that’s certainly the bane of older folks, especially those that live alone. They can get harmed very easily and without anyone to help them they can become incapacitated, or even lifeless, and remain there for days before someone discovers the tragedy.
And if you think that those are the only two reasons for two being together better than one alone, think again, for Cousin Sol has more wisdom up his sleeve, that he dispenses thus: ‘Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?’ (Eccl. 4:11) Now that’s a very good question, one that I cannot answer. (smile)
And that’s especially true in these cold northern climes where the temperature can get truly cold, and though you may have external heat, there’s nothing that beats the warmth of the human body. Yes, there’s just something about the heat from the human body, possibly an inherent warmth built into it by the Lord, our creator, that provides a kind of warmth that external heat sources cannot offer, and it much improves the situation when two are lying together.
Furthermore, Cousin Sol continues with his theory that two are better than one, when he declares: ‘And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three fold cord is not quickly broken.’ (Eccl. 4:12) In other words, there’s better security in numbers. The odds of you winning a fight with a companion are much better than if you fight alone. And it’s even better when you have a third person, because then their strength is tripled instead of merely doubled.
And there you have it, the basics of Cousin Sol’s theory for two being better than one. And if you’re wondering how he came to put that theory forward, it stems from his earlier observances on the subject of oppression, where he says: ‘Then I returned, and I saw vanity (futility) under the sun. There is one alone, and there is not a second (companion): yea, he hath neither child (son) nor brother: yet there is no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave (deprive) my soul of good? This also is vanity (futility), yea, it is a sore travail (grievous toil).’ (Eccl. 4:7-8)
That’s what led Cousin Sol to put forth his theory that two is better than one. And although many of us prefer to do life, or whatever we do, alone, it’s not always the wisest choice, because we never know when we’ll encounter danger, illness or some such drawback that we cannot handle by ourselves. And the scholars offer this explanation to the situation. ‘The toil of the miser is futile, especially when he toils only for himself.’
That’s why marriage is better than being single, especially at certain times in our lives, because working with a partner increases the chances of our success. And also why being a part of a church, a body of believers, is also important, because they may better understand our spiritual and emotional problems and can thus provide more effective spiritual and emotional help. And although our society lauds those who apparently achieve success on their own strength, that’s a fallacy, for it’s almost impossible to do anything without help from someone or another. It might not be much, but it still goes to show that being alone is not the best way.
And besides, the Bible itself tells us about God’s creation of man: ‘And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help-meet for him (a helper comparable to him).’ (Gen. 2:18) So even the Lord, in His great wisdom, realized that being alone is not always the best thing for us, and thus created a companion, a woman from Adam’s rib. (Gen. 2:21-23)
So, now that we’ve seen that Cousin Sol’s theory does hold water, is worthwhile, makes sense, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…being alone is sometimes useful…but in general…companionship is better…
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