The Teacher twice mentions that the oppressed have no comforter. Because of that, the Teacher reckons that being dead is better than being alive and better still to not have been born at all. But when we come to God our Father, he comforts us in all our affliction and trouble (2 Co 1:3,4).

The Teacher also sees that people toil and achieve out of envy. Although fools let their laziness bring them to ruin, achievement and constant striving to get ahead is also meaningless. Having less with tranquility is better than endless toil to gain a little more which is likened to chasing the wind.

God made us for friendship. A person toiling alone, even if he realizes his ambitions, will find his labor meaningless. Modern western culture emphasizes achievement, advancement, material possessions, and comfort at the expense of relationships. We are living through an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. Two are indeed better than one! We need others to help us and as much as we need to help others throughout our life journey. How will you intentionally build up spiritual friendship today?

Many people may follow a poor but wise youth. But people who come later are not pleased. People are fickle but Jesus is forever the same (Heb 13:8).


Application: Father, help me to love others by being a good friend and comforting others.
One Word: Put people ahead of ambitions