The Blessing of Companionship (Ecc 4:5–16)

In the midst of the frustratingly confusing mysteries of life, God has blessed us. He has given us the responsibilities of life to bring us fulfillment, but only an understanding of eternity and death enables us to enjoy the gifts that God has given us in this life. The foolish, godless man destroys his own life because of his refusal to acknowledge God (4:5).
One of the blessings God has given us is companionship: sharing our lives with others. How fruitless and unfulfilling life is when one has no other person with which to share it (4:7–8)! A life is truly lonely without any companion. What point is there in stockpiling goods and accumulating wealth if you have no one to leave it to? Therefore, the Preacher concludes, two people are better than one person alone, because they find fulfillment in one another (4:9). In addition, when one person falls, his companion can help him up again, while someone who is alone has nobody to help him (4:10). Two people can keep each other warm (4:11), and there is always safety in numbers (4:12). The Preacher uses a braided rope as an example of something that is made stronger by additional strands.
Life teaches many lessons, but if one does not learn these lessons, old age is not a blessing, but a curse (4:13). A foolish old man is even worse than an inexperienced young man, because the older man can do more harm, since others will follow him (4:14–15). However, history will show the error of his ways (4:16).
Perhaps we think of our families and friends as nuisances or things that get in the way, but God has provided companionship to make our lives fulfilling. God has given you parents who care about you, many of you have brothers and sisters, and you have friends who can encourage you. What kind of a companion are you? One who is a blessing, or one who is foolish and a curse to others?