“Two are Better Than One”

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
 
Ecclesiastes is full of wisdom that will help “life under the sun” to be more tolerable.  Life in this oppressive, competitive world is full of challenges and disappointments.  One soon realizes that it is not wise to try to make it through this journey alone.  Thus, Solomon bluntly states that one needs a companion, one that will give us perspective and objectivity.  Why are two better than one?  Consider three answers to the question.
 
First, a companion can offer encouragement when we are weak.  “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:10)  This passage always reminds me of my days in the corps at Texas A&M when our First Sergeant was determined to “make us run until we dropped.”   On those occasions when a fellow classmate started to fall the rest of us would pick him up and carry him along.  What a valuable lesson!  I should never be shamed to refuse help when needed.  I must ever be diligent to consider the needs of my fellows!
 
Second, a companion can offer support when we are vulnerable.  “Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11).  The thought here may represent more than a spouse keeping another warm on a wintry night.  It may represent anytime we are exposed and unguarded.  All are vulnerable, but “two are better than one”.
 
Third, a friend can provide protection when attacked.  “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) We all have a common adversary – the devil!  Our adversary may be one who has manufactured vicious rumors about us. But, there is power in the unity and support that we receive from friends.
 
There is no promise of tomorrow and exactly what it will bring, but chances are good that some of those days will be times of adversity.  The secret to your success is having good friends. 
 
by George Slover

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