Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Comment: We heard recently of a famous TV presenter being found dead alone, and almost certainly if he had been with a friend he might well have been saved. I know of old people who fall and if alone are found days later dead whereas if they live with someone they can get help! I like my wife cuddling into my back, and my cat lying on my legs to keep me warm. For me at least Solomon makes a good point!
But then he makes a triple comparison – youth, wisdom and poverty versus age, wealth and foolishness. Is he thinking of David and Saul? Is it just an example plucked out of the air? You can’t choose between youth and age – it just happens! Poverty and wealth often depends on whether or not you are born with ‘a silver spoon’ in your mouth. Wisdom and foolishness are often dependent on choice, and remember in the wisdom literature of the Bible – ‘wisdom’ often equates with choosing God’s way and ‘foolishness’ means rejecting His way! If I could choose I’d be young again; Wealth is often described by Solomon as like a ghost or mist or vapour; But I do get a choice in the wisdom/foolish area and I’d certainly choose wisdom!
Prayer: I would choose Father to be wise, compassionate, marked by integrity but above all faithful to You and to my family and friends!
As I read it! 