In another poignant observation from Ecclesiastes, the Teacher reflects on the stark reality of oppression, where those suffering are bereft of comfort while the powerful maintain their dominance. This scene of injustice and imbalance is deeply disheartening and contrasts sharply with the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where those who mourn are promised comfort. This disconnect underscores a common theme in his understanding of human suffering and the quest for solace.
“Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter.” – Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NIV)
The Teacher highlights the overburdening nature of oppression and the human isolation that prompts him to question mankind’s existence. The absence of comfort and hope for the oppressed is a significant reason for us questioning God’s divine justice and lack of intervention. Oppression can often lead people to question the presence and role of God in their lives, especially when faced with relentless suffering and injustice. The Teacher’s observation resonates with the idea that, despite visible suffering, true justice and comfort are ultimately found only in God’s kingdom.
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. – Psalm 9:9 (NIV)
During times of distress, many people find it difficult to see God as their comforter. The weight of unbearable grief can make it challenging to perceive God’s presence and solace. The intensity of emotional pain can cloud our ability to sense God’s comfort, leading us to seek immediate, tangible solutions from those around us. Additionally, there is a strong human inclination to find quick fixes for our problems. The desire for rapid resolution can overshadow the patience needed to experience God’s comforting presence fully.
In moments of crisis, people often turn to support groups and fellowships for solace, which, while helpful, can sometimes become a barrier to experiencing God’s direct comfort. Furthermore, the comfort found in support groups can inadvertently hinder a personal connection with God. For instance, if everyone around us is also facing challenges, it might provide a false sense of ease and delay our need to seek deeper spiritual comfort.
Like the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, many have not yet fully embraced the warmth of God’s embrace and thus draw similar conclusions. Oppression, rather than drawing us away from God, should ideally bring us closer to Him, recognising that human solutions fall short of achieving true justice. Just as Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, leaving behind her worldly worries, we too must learn to seek God directly. By stepping away from our immediate concerns and focusing on a personal relationship with Him, we can find true comfort and peace.
True Accomplishments
But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 4:3 (NIV)
The question of whether it is better to have never been born than to endure suffering on this earth has plagued many who have gone through prolonged suffering. Job’s lamentation, where he cursed the day of his birth, underscores how overwhelming suffering can lead one to question the value of existence. People enduring prolonged suffering may resonate with this sentiment, grappling with the idea that their pain could overshadow the benefits of life. In the face of intense oppression and injustice, some individuals may struggle to find answers and instead view their misfortune as an argument against their very existence. This perspective can lead to the belief that it would have been better not to have been born at all. However, this view overlooks a critical dimension of existence.
The CEO of the biggest tech company in the world represents a pinnacle of success and influence. Working in their company, even though it might present us with insurmountable challenges, is still a significant privilege, offering opportunities and experiences that are highly sought after. Attending one of their meetings is an exclusive privilege that many cannot access, underscoring the rarity and value of such an experience. For those who admire him, having a personal relationship with the CEO is considered the ultimate privilege.
Similarly, being born into this world is itself a privilege, despite its inherent challenges. The opportunity to know God during our lifetime is a profound privilege. Having a personal relationship with Him is the ultimate privilege, offering a unique and deeply meaningful connection that surpasses all others. While suffering is undeniably a part of human experience, the chance to connect with the divine and seek solace in God’s presence provides a significant and meaningful aspect of existence. Thus, the privilege of knowing and relating to God can offer us much-needed comfort and purpose, even amidst suffering.
And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. – Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NIV)
Our accomplishments can often stem from jealousy. For instance, a student might strive for top grades to outdo a classmate, or an individual may pursue fitness goals to match a friend’s physique. Others might seek social media fame, material wealth, or career advancement to surpass those they envy. In these cases, achievements are driven by a desire to compete with or outshine others.
Someone might work tirelessly to achieve success in their career, not purely out of passion or personal ambition, but because they feel jealous of a colleague who is advancing more quickly. This jealousy fuels their drive to accomplish more, outdo others, and gain the recognition or status they feel is lacking. Thus, their accomplishments are motivated not solely by personal goals, but by a desire to prove themselves in comparison to others. Is this a result of the competitive nature of the world around us, a “dog-eat-dog” world?
Achievements may be seen as limited goods, whereas learning through growth can be an unlimited pursuit. In my own experience, I’ve found that many of my accomplishments have stemmed from competition with others. However, my true learnings and growth have come from genuine interest and curiosity, not from a desire to outshine someone else.
Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. – Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 (NIV)
In our world, folding one’s hands represents a resistance to new work or learning. In God’s kingdom, it symbolises a refusal to embrace new teachings. Only fools reject opportunities to learn, grow, and mature spiritually in God. Conversely, some believe it is better to have a modest salary with a manageable workload than to pursue a high-paying job that leads to an overwhelming burden. Some people work three jobs and earn considerable salaries, but they have no time to enjoy it. This illustrates that competition is not merely about being dissatisfied with what we have and constantly seeking the next achievement. However, there is no competition when it comes to spiritual growth, as everyone seems to be content with their own progress in their spiritual journey.
Two are Better than One
The teacher reflects on the futility of a life spent in solitary toil without companionship or purpose. A man who works endlessly but remains unsatisfied with his wealth questions the meaning of his efforts, realising that depriving himself of joy is a “miserable business.” The teacher emphasises that companionship is invaluable: two people working together achieve more, support each other in times of trouble, share warmth, and defend themselves against adversity.
Society often perceives being alone as abnormal or even selfish. When I was a child, visitors would see how comfortable I was with my parents and suggest that I needed a sibling. If someone is living alone and succeeding in their work, the world thinks they should get married. If a couple enjoys each other’s companionship, people urge them to have a child. In all these examples, one thing is clear: people don’t like seeing others content or at ease with themselves. There seems to be a desire for everyone to bear the burdens of responsibilities and dependents, even when they may not be able to manage them.
Today, love marriages are becoming increasingly rare. Everything is meticulously planned, and couples come together not for genuine companionship or love but to navigate their way in the world. People are no longer guided by emotions but by the desire to get ahead. The focus has shifted from finding a partner for love or spiritual growth to prioritising financial stability.
People now often look for a spouse with an equal or higher-paying job rather than seeking a meaningful relationship. The criteria for choosing a partner often boil down to financial considerations, with questions like, “Can we rise to the top with our combined incomes?” This mindset aligns with the teacher’s thoughts on the disadvantages of being alone, suggesting that society views being alone not as a path to personal fulfilment but as a failure to conform to expectations.
We must remember the true purpose of a union as God intended: for two to become one and draw closer to Him each day. The key question is whether our relationships bring us nearer to God or pull us away. This will reveal if we have found the partner God meant for us. While having a partner can make life easier — sharing responsibilities like child care and providing for the family — we must not forget that our true need is only for Jesus as our partner in this life and beyond. With Him by our side, we find strength to endure oppression, remain unaffected by worldly injustices, and are not driven by a need for human companionship with worldly motives. Instead, we seek His guidance in connecting with those He has chosen for us.
Let us strive for clarity in understanding what God desires for our lives and how He wants us to live, whether alone or with a companion. We should seek His guidance at every step, especially when faced with crucial decisions. Instead of losing heart in the face of constant oppression, let us find true comfort in His presence, rather than relying solely on the empathy of others.
Discussion Questions
- How should we respond to oppression and injustice?
- Is life worth living despite suffering and challenges?
- What drives human accomplishments, and are they meaningful?
- What is the significance of companionship versus solitude?
The Jordan Valley 
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