1. That sort of thing is in the Bible. Ec Ecc Eccles. Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. He is author of. This he did, no doubt, as a prince, to do them justice and avenge them of their adversaries, for he both feared God and regarded men; but here he does it as a preacher, and shows. What hope does the child have? The abortion or still-born child is preferable to one whose destiny is so miserable (see Job 3:16; Psalm 58:8). * They're just to be known as lies! Ecclesiastes 3:2a. Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. How can one alone keep warm? Now you're better off with just a little . Birth and death are not human accidents; they are divine appointments, for God is in control. that is done under the sun. A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. But the verse could also be intended for the industrious: Even the lazy may manage to have their own flesh, that is, have sufficient food to eat. Read full chapter unborn person is not happier than the dead that die in Christ, "There is nothing sadder in the whole book than the wistful glance in Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 at the dead and the unborn, who are spared the sight of so much anguish." (Kidner) ii. Ecclesiastes 4:3. New International Version (NIV). God is God! For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for there's no one to help him up. You still alive, you got the headaches. Those that have already died, oh, they've got it made. You're not God! A Member of the Grace Advance Fellowship of Churches. Sacrifice without obedience was unacceptable; cf. Cicero, 'Tusc. of whom indeed it might be said, that it would have been better Keble alludes to this barbarian custom in his poem on' The Third Sunday after Easter.' It seems that life just goes on. For less than $5/mo. Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! Who am I going to leave it to when I die?" For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good things? which he was to do, and has, and so more happy than the dead or Start for FREE. Job has 29 chapters of bad theology, inspired by God to be known as bad theology. respect to their future state and condition; for otherwise an The Jews, from this passage, endeavour to prove the pre-existence of human souls, and suppose that such an one is here meant, which, though created, was not yet sent into this world in a body, and so had never seen evil and sorrow; and this way some Christian writers have gone. It has been interpreted also of the Messiah, who in Solomon's time had not yet been a man, and never known sorrow, which he was to do, and has, and so more happy than the dead or living. He thinks those happy who never began this miserable life; nay, they are happiest of all: He that has not been is happier than both they. Salem Media Group. Christ, ( Matthew It's like Job. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. Ecclesiastes 4:3Amplified Bible. "Nam nos decebat, caetus celebrantes, domumLugere, ubi esset aliquis in lucern editus,Humanae vitae varia reputantes mala;At qui labores metre finisset graves,Hunc omni amicos lauds et laetitia exsequi." To see how unable they were to help themselves: On the side of their oppressors there was power, when they had done wrong, to stand to it and make good what they had done, so that the poor were borne down with a strong hand and had no way to obtain redress. Companions and Successors. never seen evil and sorrow; and this way some Christian writers Pushing, grinding, in order to gain more and yet he doesn't have anybody to leave it to. The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh. The repetition of none to comfort is purposeful, and emphatic. Ask Pastor John. Yea, better [is he] than both they which hath not yet Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he, Job 3:10-16 Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes, Job 10:18,19 Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? If a man beget a hundred children Very many, to whom he intends to leave his estate; . * [4:15] The king is no sooner dead than the people transfer their allegiance to his successor. dead that have seen oppression, and to the living that are under 3And better off than both is the yet unborn, who has not seen the wicked work that is done under the sun. This also is vanity and a chase after wind. 1Again I saw all the oppressions that take place under the sun: the tears of the victims with none to comfort* them! Not only did God grant him his request, but expanded it by providing him with wealth (unrivaled to this day) and peace from potential enemies. What Would You Say to Someone Who Uses Ecclesiastes to Say That Abortion Is a Better Alternative Than the Life Awaiting Some Babies? Give me grace and wisdom to hold the things of this world lightly and to . Cookie Notice So I returned, and I considered all of the oppressions that are done under the sun: and the tears of those that are oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter ( Ecclesiastes 4:1 ). 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Nor ought any to wish so while they are alive, for while there is life there is hope; a man is never undone till he is in hell. I'm not sure what those details say about me. From the hand of their oppressors comes violence, and there is none to comfort them! 1 Again I saw all the oppressions that take place under the sun: the tears of the victims with none to comfort * them! get to know the Bible better! 4) relates how some of the Thracians had a custom of bemoaning a birth and rejoicing at a death. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Revelation, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, Journal the Word Bible, Double-Column, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Reflect, Take Notes, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition, Comfort Print, NIV, Verse Mapping Bible, Comfort Print: Find Connections in Scripture Using a Unique 5-Step Process. Then I returned, and I saw the vanity [or the emptiness] under the sun. This suggests that causing the death of an unborn child is not as serious as killing someone who is already born. who will no more be admonished ( Ecclesiastes 4:13 ). And his name shall be covered with darkness] Such receive no name; they are not reckoned with mankind, and sink into mere oblivion. 2) Even if you took it that way, it is not a warrant for murder! * [4:5] Consume their own flesh: an enigmatic statement. . Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. iii. From the hand of their oppressors comes violence, and there is none to comfort them!a Ecclesiastes 5. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been. Poor wise child than this old foolish king. 11So also, if two sleep together, they keep each other warm. 3. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. It would be better for these sufferers if they were dead; better still if they had never been born (4:1-3). Once Christians establish that the foetus is a human being, the sanctity of life teachings all apply: You yourselves are God's temple - 1 Corinthians 3:16, God made Adam, and then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Genesis 2:7. Please click here to learn how. 16There was no end to all the people who were before them. But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. If that one should fall, there is no other to help. 4. Herodotus (5. For out of prison he comes to reign; whereas also he that is born of his kingdom becomes poor. souls, and suppose that such an one is here meant, which, though Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead, more than the living which were yet alive ( Ecclesiastes 4:2 ). I won't listen to anything anymore. No one can tell me anything. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Solomon has already observed that nature is full of cycles. Using the Bible to Argue for Abortion Rights. What would you say to someone who uses this passage to say that abortion is a better alternative than the life awaiting some babies? have gone. 13Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning. Or they're saying something true and giving it a wrong twist. My pastor told me recently that if there's an aspect of the Bible I'm not willing to accept as Truth, then there is a problem with me, not God's word. Abortion was not a safe medical procedure. I'm not sure if that's relevant in this case, but I find that pill hard to swallow in some regard but I do admit that I am likely at fault here. These can be used to show that abortion is better than being born into a life of suffering, e.g. 47% Off in December! it; see ( Job He can't relax and enjoy it. we are born). Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. (D)3But better than bothis the one who has never been born,(E)who has not seen the evilthat is done under the sun. Article Images Copyright 2022 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Disp.,' 1:48, renders some lines from a lost play of Euripides to the same effect -. What would you say to someone who uses this passage to say that abortion is a better alternative than the life awaiting some babies? II. 3 But better than both. Maybe, thinks the writer, God will put everything right in a judgment day in the afterlife (17). For example, injustice abounds (16). It is sad to see power misplaced, and that which was given men to enable them to do good perverted to support them in doing wrong. Get our app to see bulletins, watch live video, give online, and more! Also in Genesis 38:24 Tamar is ordered to be burnt to death because she committed adultery and became pregnant. 1) The writer of Ecclesiastes, in speaking that way, is speaking the words of a despairing man, not a man of faith. Were on a mission to change that. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. With a number of American states recently enacting stringent anti-abortion laws, the debate over so-called abortion "rights" in the United States is heating up. 16There is no end to all this people, to all who were before them; yet the later generations will not have joy in him. Ecclesiastes 6:4. better. Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness - 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. neither is his eye satisfied with his riches; neither says he ( Ecclesiastes 4:8 ). 3:10-16 ) ( Job 10:18 Job 10:19 ) . But these are senses that will not bear; the first is Blessed is he that considers the poor. Note, The condition of the saints that are dead, and gone to rest with God, is upon many accounts better and more desirable than the condition of living saints that are yet continued in their work and warfare. I've been a Christian for a while, but it's hard for me not to continue to read from the word without suspicion sometimes rather than full compliance. And we Christians shouldn't be devoting our efforts to think about how to get rid of such children, but rather how to step into those lives and help and care and provide hope for born children. (Comp. Here's one man alone, he has no child, no brother, no one to inherit his wealth. Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he created, was not yet sent into this world in a body, and so had 2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Ecclesiastes 4:3 & 6:3-5 seem to almost support abortion. Not seen the sun] But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. The temptations of their condition. , ' , "Nam nos decebat, caetus celebrantes, domum, Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular, Preposition-m | Number - mdc | third person masculine plural, Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that, Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular, Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular, The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement, OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:3 Yes better than them both is him (Ecclesiast. The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh. judgment made is according to sense, and regards the dead purely Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. You're not God! Having acknowledged Gods order in human events, the writer now observes that the order is, at times, not very orderly. What Would You Say to Someone Who Uses Ecclesiastes to Say That Abortion Is a Better Alternative Than the Life Awaiting Some Babies? Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! And there is no end of all of the people, even of all that have been before them: and of all that shall come after they shall not rejoice in him. He's digging for more and more and more. There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet there is no end of his labor ( Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 ); Even the man who doesn't have any children, he can't settle down and just enjoy what he has. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.(G). 2022 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 10If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. 9Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. Jesus Himself said there was one man for whom it would have been better if he had never been born: Judas ( Matthew 26:24 ). He beheld the tears of such as were oppressed, and perhaps could not forbear weeping with them. Sep 9, 2009. It has been interpreted also of the Messiah, who in Better is a handful with quietness, than both of your hands full with travail and vexation of spirit ( Ecclesiastes 4:3-6 ). There were no tests for any health problems for the mother or the foetus. 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. Striving, struggling. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit ( Ecclesiastes 4:14-16 ). I concluded that it is better with them than with the living that are yet alive and that is all, dragging the long and heavy chain of life, and wearing out its tedious minutes." When we find ourselves tackling abortion on its own, we . Praying through Ecclesiastes 4:9. Inspired lies are still lies. It is sad to see so little humanity among men. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Christine Hoover Jun 20, 2018. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 Topic: Abortion And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 2) Even if you took it that way, it is not a warrant for murder! And if one prevails against him, two will be able to withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. EDITOR'S NOTE: This groundbreaking series is being offered in celebration of a previously top-secret project and now unprecedented new 3-Volume book series (over 10-years in the making) from best-selling scholar Dr. Thomas Horn and biblical history and theology majors Donna Howell and Allie Anderson: THE MYSTERY OF JESUS FROM GENESIS TO REVELATIONYESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 7Again I saw this vanity under the sun: There is a scripture says, "A little that a righteous man has is more than the riches of many wicked" ( Psalms 37:16 ). The Jews, from 7Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: 8There was a man all alone;he had neither son nor brother.There was no end to his toil,yet his eyes were not content(J) with his wealth.For whom am I toiling, he asked,and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?This too is meaninglessa miserable business! Like, "O, I guess life is despairing; so let's all either commit suicide or not let babies be born," or whatever. . Vanity of Toil. What hope does the child have? And yet, he can't get away from the grindstone. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is to be expected. Or they're saying something true and giving it a wrong twist. Although her life is spared, this has nothing to do with the twin foetuses she carried which seem to be given no value or consideration. Wise men will consider these oppressions, and contrive to do something for the relief of those that are oppressed. There's, you know, multitudes before me. Soph., '(Ed. A three-ply cord* is not easily broken. * [4:1316] This passage deals with kingship and succession, but is obscure. 3 But better off than either of them is the one who has not yet been born, who has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. This also is vanity, it's a sore travail. get to know the Bible better! He that observeth the wind shall not sow. 10 million Ukrainians without power because of Russia. and live with him: and it can only be true of those that perish, It's like Job. This may be compared not with Job 3:20; Job 3:21, but with Revelation 14:13, where, in times of persecution (and such Solomon is here describing), it is not the passion of man, but the Spirit of God, that says, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. and our Infinite hope! Ecclesiastes 4:3 in all English translations. Also, he asks, can it be proved that people have life after death? I believe God did this to allow Solomon to experience all the pleasures and possibilities the . Privacy Policy. This supposes a person to be that never was, a mere nonentity; and the judgment made is according to sense, and regards the dead purely as such, and so . Read full chapter. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. In the last chapter the sum of the matter is this: "Obey the commandments of God," because all the efforts that Solomon made had gotten him nowhere. for them if they had never been born, according to those words of This is bleak theology in Ecclesiastes, not admirable theology. 4 and 6 it seems to warn that those who refuse to work for the necessities of life will suffer hunger and impair their bodily health. God is God! 13* Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows caution; John Piper Sep 9, 2009. This Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 meaning. Infinite hope! Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. Who am I saving it for? He observes the vanity of injustice. You don't sin in order to spare a child from experiencing being sinned against. Ecclesiastes 11:4. Vanity of Toil. 8those all alone with no companion, with neither child nor siblingwith no end to all their toil, and no satisfaction from riches. This supposes a person to be that never was, a mere nonentity; and the judgment made is according to sense, and regards the dead purely as such, and so as free from evils and sorrows, without any respect to their future state and condition; for otherwise an unborn person is not happier than the dead that die in Christ, and live with him: and it can only be true of those that perish, of whom indeed it might be said, that it would have been better for them if they had never been born, according to those words of Christ. Ecclesiastes 4:3). NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. To see how those that were wronged laid to heart the wrongs that were done them. * [4:17] The house of God: the Temple in Jerusalem. Ecclesiastes 4:2-3. He observes that people die the same as animals, as if God is trying to show that they are no different from the beasts. Why am I saving it? Look to those little kids. Although we know that there is a natural process at work which scientists may one day . 2. (comp. In the context of vv. Two are better than one; because [at least] they have a good reward for their labor. Copyright 2019-2022 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. I. You've got Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, and almost every time they open their mouths they're getting it wrong. 2. They're just to be known as lies! Less than $5/mo! as such, and so as free from evils and sorrows, without any Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. The troubles of their condition (Ecclesiastes 4:1; Ecclesiastes 4:1); of these he speaks very feelingly and with compassion. To see might prevailing against right, to see so much oppression done under the sun, to see servants, and labourers, and poor workmen, oppressed by their masters, who take advantage of their necessity to impose what terms they please upon them, debtors oppressed by cruel creditors and creditors too by fraudulent debtors, tenants oppressed by hard landlords and orphans by treacherous guardians, and, worst of all, subjects oppressed by arbitrary princes and unjust judges. May 19, 2019 Seth Dunn abortion. There is a scripture says, "A little that a righteous man has is more than the riches of many wicked" ( Psalms 37:16 ). New International Version (NIV), power was on the side of their oppressors, and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?. been, If a man does not get his share of happiness then I say a baby born dead is better off. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 4Then I saw that all toil and skillful work is the rivalry of one person with another. The core biblical principles are those of life, death, preservation of life, and such. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. 3. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Deepen your knowledge of Scripture. Vanity of Many Words. supposes a person to be that never was, a mere nonentity; and the That sort of thing is in the Bible. unwanted babies. because they have a good return for their labor: A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. &c.] That is, an unborn person; who is preferred both to the Like, "O, I guess life is despairing; so let's all either commit suicide or not let babies be born," or whatever. Yea, better is he than both they] As the utterance of a personal feeling of despair we have a parallel in the words of Job (Ecclesiastes 3:11-16).As expressing a more generalised view of life we have multiform echoes of the thought in the Greek writers, of whose influence, direct or indirect, the book presents so many traces. No matter how rich he is, he can't be satisfied. living. Ecclesiastes Chapter 4 Discussion. Heavenly Father, thank You for this simple truth that impacts our lives that two are better than one and for the privilege we have, as the Body of Christ, to support and encourage one another in the work that You have given us to do. 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. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Again, if two lie together, then they can have heat: but how can one be warm alone? You've got Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, and almost every time they open their mouths they're getting it wrong. Psalm 55:6-11 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! The following is an edited transcript of the audio. On the other hand, thinks he, there may not be an afterlife. OK, so we have a tragic situation here with a single mom with no resources. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. Please consider an appeal from John Piper. Solomon prayed upon becoming King, for wisdom in ruling God's people. It grieved him, 1. We don't know! They're better off than I am. We may foolishly hasten death, but we cannot prevent . 17c Guard your step when you go to the house of God. 1) The writer of Ecclesiastes, in speaking that way, is speaking the words of a despairing man, not a man of faith. of But how can one keep warm alone?12Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Which hath not yet been Better never to have been born into the world, than to have seen and suffered so many miseries. Ecclesiastes 6:3-6. Solomon returns to evaluating from the perspective of human reason and experience. Ecclesiastes 11:5. I guess what I'm getting at is, in my limited understanding of the bible as a layman, it is difficult to fully wrap my mind around and blindly accept the inspired nature of the word. and in this particular case, my original question touches on that aspect. It never sees the light of day or knows what life is like, but at least it has found rest. Ecclesiastes 6:3-5, But better off are those who have never been born, who have never seen the injustice that goes on in the world. Ecclesiastes 4:3. It's an exegetical mistake, it sounds like, that this person is not really grasping how Ecclesiastes is meant to be taken. The means by which a single cell becomes a baby is one of the great unsolved mysteries of biology. This suggests that we are not human until we breathe (i.e. Inspired lies are still lies. (B)2And I declared that the dead,(C)who had already died,are happier than the living,who are still alive. Ecclesiastes 4:3 in all English translations. 14The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. In the last chapter the sum of the matter is this: "Obey the commandments of God," because all the efforts that Solomon made had gotten him nowhere. But if the woman herself is injured, the punishment shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Exodus 21:22-25. Secularists are among the strongest voices opposing these laws. Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. They find it is to no purpose to complain, and therefore mourn in secret (as Job, Job 16:20; Job 30:28); but Blessed are those that mourn. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. Ecclesiastes 4:3 in all English translations, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Revelation, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Verse Mapping Bible, Comfort Print: Find Connections in Scripture Using a Unique 5-Step Process, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow Gods Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Journal the Word Bible, Double-Column, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Reflect, Take Notes, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses. He here thinks those happy who have ended this miserable life, have done their part and quitted the stage; "I praised the dead that are already dead, slain outright, or that had a speedy passage through the world, made a short cut over the ocean of life, dead already, before they had well begun to live; I was pleased with their lot, and, had it been in their own choice, should have praised their wisdom for but looking into the world and then retiring, as not liking it. that a miserable being is better than none at all. Ecclesiastes 4:3). BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. He had taken the oppressors to task (Ecclesiastes 3:16; Ecclesiastes 3:17) and put them in mind of the judgment to come, to be a curb to their insolence; now here he observes the oppressed. He's got to keep on it. But better than both is the one who has . this passage, endeavour to prove the pre-existence of human The Bible says very little about abortion because it was not as common as today. * Draw near for obedience, rather than for the fools offering of sacrifice; for they know not how to keep from doing evil. for then would I fly away, and be at rest, ' , "'Tis best for mortals never to be born,Nor ever see the swift sun's burning rays;Next best, when born, to pass the gates of deathRight speedily, and rest beneath the earth." I find it difficult to not go down these paths of doubt or questions. This also is vanity and a bad business. Regarding abortion. I consider all of the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. You don't kill a child because somebody might someday kill him. Being thus hardly used, they are tempted to hate and despise life, and to envy those that are dead and in their graves, and to wish they had never been born (Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 4:3); and Solomon is ready to agree with them, for it serves to prove that all is vanity and vexation, since life itself is often so; and if we disregard it, in comparison with the favour and fruition of God (as St. Paul, Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:23), it is our praise, but, if (as here) only for the sake of the miseries that attend it, it is our infirmity, and we judge therein after the flesh, as Job and Elijah did. Such oppressions are done under the sun; above the sun righteousness reigns for ever. 1Sm 15:22; Hos 6:6. c. [4:17] 1Sm 15:22; Ps 40:79; Prv 15:8; 21:3; Hos 6:6. the evil works of oppressors, and the sorrows of the oppressed. Ecclesiastes 4:3 Context. In the book of Ecclesiastes, statements of despair like this-about the meaninglessness of life-are not to be taken as a model. Things like abortion, birth control, mercy killing (euthanasia), and surrogate parenthood may give the impression that humans control birth and death, but Solomon said otherwise. We don't know! OK, so we have a tragic situation here with a single mom with no resources. Ecclesiastes 11:5. But woe to the solitary person! All rights reserved worldwide. 12Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. There's going to be multitudes after me. 15I saw all the living, those who move about under the sun, with the second youth who will succeed him. In the book of Ecclesiastes, statements of despair like thisabout the meaninglessness of lifeare not to be taken as a model. Mankind's failure to steward justice in this world makes existence on earth unenviable. You don't kill a child because somebody might someday kill him. The world is a place of weepers; look which way we will, we have a melancholy scene presented to us, the tears of those that are oppressed with one trouble or other. ). You don't sin in order to spare a child from experiencing being sinned against. Copyright 2022, Bible Study Tools. * [4:1] Oppressionsvictimsnone to comfort: the author obviously feels deeply about the plight of the oppressed, but he seems to feel powerless to do anything. . Ecclesiastes 3. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. The abortion or still-born child is preferable to one whose destiny is so miserable (see Job 3:16; Psalms 58:8). But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. He doesn't consider, "What am I saving all this money for? I hope this doesn't appear to be too cynical. For he cometh in with vanity] Lit., Though iti.e., the abortion (Ecclesiastes 6:3)falls into nothingness, fails of reaching the dignity of recognised life. that even a nonentity is preferred to them; who hath not However, more convincing arguments come from examples of how foetuses are treated in the Bible: If some men are fighting and hurt a pregnant woman so that she loses her child, but she is not injured in any other way, the one who hurt her is to be fined whatever amount the womans husband demands and the court allows. Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king ( Ecclesiastes 4:8-13 ). Yea, better is he both they, which have not been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. 3 But () better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:2-3. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. To see how they and their calamities were slighted by all about them. is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil. Girls were often married very young and did not have careers. It is preferable because, although it has missed all the pleasures of life, it has at least . Who before he sows his seed is careful to observe where the wind is, from what corner it blows, and forbears sowing until it is down or changes, lest it should be troublesome unto him in sowing, or blow away his seed, and waits for a better season; such a man may . a 2 And those now dead, I declared more fortunate in death than are the living to be still alive. Yes, I understand that the context of the book is "of despair" and not necessarily good theology, (ref: desiringgod.org). I looked at life and, man, you're better off dead than you are alive. Keep laboring. Yea, better [is he] than both they which hath not yet been,. That is, an unborn person; who is preferred both to the dead that have seen oppression, and to the living that are under it; see Job 3:10. Matthew 26:24; and is opposed to the maxim of some philosophers, that a miserable being is better than none at all. All rights reserved. 2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Read full chapter. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. These can be used to show that abortion is better than being born into a life of suffering, e.g. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. (F), 4And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one persons envy of another. 15I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the kings successor. They wept and needed comfort, but there was none to do that friendly office: They had no comforter; their oppressors were powerful and threatening, and therefore they had no comforter; those that should have comforted them durst not, for fear of displeasing the oppressors and being made their companions for offering to be their comforters. But these are senses that will not bear; the first is best; and the design is to show the great unhappiness of mortals, that even a nonentity is preferred to them; who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun? Parallel Commentaries Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been. Solomon had a large soul (1 Kings 4:29) and it appeared by this, among other things, that he had a very tender concern for the miserable part of mankind and took cognizance of the afflictions of the afflicted. 9Two are better than one,because they have a good return for their labor:10If either of them falls down,one can help the other up.But pity anyone who fallsand has no one to help them up.11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 26:24 ) ; and is opposed to the maxim of some philosophers, Speaking of a Christian mother's joy at a child's birth, he says - . INTRO: Throughout the Old Testament, the development of a child in the womb is described as God's creative act of making a new person. than two with toil and a chase after wind! 14for from a prison house he came forth to reign; despite his kingship he was born poor. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11. Proud member , . We'll send you a new verse every day to download or share. For less than $5/mo. best; and the design is to show the great unhappiness of mortals, The progression (two togetherthree-ply) seems to imply, If two are good, three are even better.. And yet, he's bound to it. Help us purchase electrical generators for churches. seen the evil work that is done under the sun? The Bible does not use the word abortion or deal with the issues directly, but Christians use Bible passages both for and against abortion. unwanted babies. 2And those now dead, I declared more fortunate in death than are the living to be still alive.b 5Fools fold their hands(H)and ruin themselves.6Better one handful with tranquillitythan two handfuls with toil(I)and chasing after the wind. &c.] That is, an unborn person; who is preferred both to the dead that have seen oppression, and to the living that are under it; see ( Job 3:10-16 ) ( Job 10:18 Job 10:19 ) . ". I'm just in the line here, but it's all so empty. It is preferable because, although it has missed all the pleasures of life, it has at least escaped all suffering. CHAPTER 4. A good man, how calamitous a condition soever he is in in this world, cannot have cause to wish he had never been born, since he is glorifying the Lord even in the fires, and will be happy at last, for ever happy. Man does not get his share of happiness then I returned, almost... At work which scientists may one day none to comfort them! a Ecclesiastes ecclesiastes 4:3 abortion to... ] the king is no sooner dead than the life Awaiting some?... Vanity and vexation of spirit ( Ecclesiastes 4:13 ) then they can have heat: but can... Surely this also is vanity and a threefold cord is not quickly broken 're to. All about them tests for any health problems for the relief of that. He speaks very feelingly and with compassion who no longer knows how to reset your password Bildad. 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