The World of Power and Privilege
Disturbing
Ecclesiastes 4:1
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed,…
Discouraging
Ecclesiastes 4:1
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Depressing
Ecclesiastes 4:1
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Ecclesiastes 4:2-3
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
The World of Productivity and Possessions
Competition
Ecclesiastes 4:4
4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 NLT
Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
Complacency
Ecclesiastes 4:5-6
5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
Contented
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Consumed Man
Ecclesiastes 4:7-8
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
World of People and Personalities
Friends that Challenge Us
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Friends that Comfort Us
Ecclesiastes 4:11
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Friends in Combat for Us
Ecclesiastes 4:12
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
World of Politics and Popularity
Ecclesiastes 4:13-14
13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. 14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
Ecclesiastes 4:15a-16
15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun… 16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.