4:1-3
The world can look a very grim and unjust place, and this is what the writer draws our attention to now. The oppressed are in a very bad place and power seems to be on the side of the oppressor. The TEacher’s conclusion is that the dead are better off than the living, for they will see no more suffering, better still are those not born, for they will experience no suffering. This is as bleak a view as you can get, but is where life without God leads to.
4:4-6
What about the things we do achieve, much of this is the product of envy. It is said that the financial markets are run by greed and fear. Booms are fuelled by greed, and busts by fear. However, idleness (folding of the hands) is no answer, it leads only to ruin. “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil.” It is good to work hard, but we should be careful. To chase after something at all costs is foolishness.
4:7-12
It is better to be in partnership than to be alone. Work can be used as a substitute, but never brings contentment. We need to be with others. Life alone is meaningless. Two are better than one” Our rewards are then more satisfying and we can help each other and defend one another. We need each other. As it says in Genesis 2 It is not good for man to be alone.
4:13-16
The old may be wiser than the young, but not always. Despite his cynicism, the teacher is consistent in believing that wisdom is better than folly.
No comments:
Post a Comment