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The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: Why We Shouldn’t Go It Alone
In this episode, we explore the profound yet simple wisdom fou… (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
Some of the most profound insights are also the most simple. Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verse 10 says, For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and has not another to lift him up.
Ecclesiastes has just been talking about two being better than one, having a good reward, a good return on their labour. This verse focuses on what happens if you fall, and you’re alone.
The wisdom here is for us not to go it alone, for us not to put ourselves in circumstances when we’re on our own and we’re likely to fail. This is a reason why, for example, in counselling, it is recommended that the counsellor is not alone with the counsellee in certain scenarios.
Romantic involvements are so possible when you’re pouring out yourself to another person. And that’s clearly extremely unhelpful and may even be adulterous. So, don’t go it alone. Accept the wisdom from Ecclesiastes.
But also, it’s really practical, isn’t it? If you are going to do something, physically, that’s dangerous, don’t be on your own. We don’t have to over spiritualise this, do we?
If you’re planning to go rock climbing , maybe take somebody with you. If you’re planning a parachute jump take the instructor with you.
Ecclesiastes cares about the matter of life, of living, how we do this. And Ecclesiastes rightly tells us that relationship is important. It is not good for man or woman to be alone for so many reasons. So let’s take this knowledge and internalise it and ask the Holy Spirit to help us to see how it applies in our lives.
Thank you, God, for the vast treasure trove of wisdom in the Bible. Please help us to understand how we are best to follow the advice that you are giving us, day by day. Amen.
