Wisdom Of The Teacher For College Students, Ch. 4.Sample

The Teacher continues the theme of isolation versus cooperation in some of the most familiar verses in the book, and maybe in the whole Bible. These verses are often even used in wedding ceremonies. Given the whole context of the chapter, you might re-think that use in your future!

We read about three common occurrences in Middle Eastern life in the Old Testament days that could be equally as true about life in a modern city. Who will help you if fall? Can you survive a cold night in the elements alone with no coverings? Do you feel comfortable traveling alone at night on foot?

I think we would all prefer company in those situations. The degree of contentment in those situations is increased if our companion has certain skills to make us even more confident of survival and success. 

The end of verse 12 is most likely another contemporary proverb for the Teacher. We even borrow the concept when we say, “We are stronger together than we are alone.” For those who know Jesus, that verse even has a deeper meaning. We know that we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us so that we are never truly alone!