Ecclesiastes 4:9

“Two [are] better than one, etc.] The wise man takes occasion, from the solitariness Of the covetous man before described, to show in this and some following verses the preferableness and advantages of social life; which, as it holds true in things natural and civil, so in things spiritual and religious; man is a sociable creature, was made to be so; and it was the judgment of God, which is according to truth, and who can never err, that it was not good for man to be alone, (<010218>Genesis 2:18). It is best to take a wife, or at least to have a friend or companion, more or less to converse with. Society is preferable to solitariness; conversation with a friend is better than to be always…”

“Two--opposed to "one" (Ecc 4:8). Ties of union, marriage, friendship, religious communion, are better than the selfish solitariness of the miser (Gen 2:18). reward--Advantage accrues from their efforts being conjoined. The Talmud says, "A man without a companion is like a left hand without the right.”

“The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation. Ecclesiastes 4:8 A second - Any one associated or connected with him. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Compare a saying from the Talmud: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Two - Who live together in any kind of society. Because - Both have great benefit by such conjunction, whereby they support, encourage, and strengthen one another. Ecclesiastes 4:10”

“4:9-12 Two people are better off than one: The solitary man (4:8) brings to mind the advantages of partnerships for business and for personal well-being.”

“are: Gen 2:18; Exo 4:14-16; Num 11:14; Pro 27:17; Hag 1:14; Mar 6:7; Act 13:2; Act 15:39, Act 15:40; Co1 12:18-21 a good: Rut 2:12; Joh 4:36; Jo2 1:8 Ecclesiastes 4:10”

“"Better are two together than one, seeing they have a good reward in their labour." By hashshenaim, the author refers to such a pair; haehhad is one such as is just described. The good reward consists in this, that each one of the two has the pleasant consciousness of doing good to the other by his labour, and especially of being helpful to him. In this latter general sense is grounded the idea of the reward of faithful fellowship: Ecclesiastes 4:10”