Christ Binds Us in an Unbroken Cord

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 4:4-16.

Solomon sees the vanity in toil that is done only out of envy, yet he also sees the vanity of laziness that leads to want. Rather than living in such vanity, wisdom is found in considering the purpose of working for others. Using several images, Solomon shows that two people are better than one, both in the return for their work and in their companionship. Yet true Christian wisdom is found when Christ Himself is bound to us as our Brother.

“Wisdom for Life Under the Sun” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon’s favorite word in Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” Apart from God, life is nothing but vapor that does not last and can never be grasped. Yet Solomon does not leave us in despair. He shows us that life does have meaning in the faith and fear of God, from whom all things come to us as a gift.