Ecclesiastes 4 Commentary

Solomon returns to evaluating from the perspective of human reason and experience. He observes the vanity of injustice. Mankind’s failure to steward justice in this world makes existence on earth unenviable.

Rivalry in our labor is tempered by working for what we need rather than to impress. A proper balance between striving and resting is better than a futile obsession with work. 

With so much oppression and rivalry, perhaps it is better to do life alone. But, alas, this too is vaporous.

Solomon advocates for the benefit of human community—what we can do when we work together rather than against one another or alone.

People are eager and appreciative when wise leadership replaces foolish. But they soon take their improved circumstances for granted and wish for additional improvement.