Next, Solomon spoke on the cruelty of oppressors
Next, Solomon spoke on the cruelty of oppressors
Next, Solomon spoke on the cruelty of oppressors and of their victims having no comforter. He concluded that being dead was better than being alive and oppressed, and if life can only offer oppression, then not being born at all would be even better (CP Ecc 4:1-3).
Here we see the extent of Solomon's backslidden state. God is the comforter of the oppressed, but Solomon did not acknowledge Him as such here (CP Psa 86:17; Isa 51:12-16; 2Cor 1:3).
We learn from Solomon's next observation in Ecc 4 that if the basic motive for success in life is the driving force of envy and jealousy, it is utterly futile. Neither working simply to outdo others, nor not working because of the futility of trying to outdo others, have any meaning in life.
It is better to take it easy and have little, than to be in fierce competition, grasping after more (CP Ecc 4:4-6 with Pr 15:16-17; 16:8; 30:7-9). Let Paul have the last say for New Testament Christians (CP Php 4:11-13).
Solomon was also concerned by the foolishness of a man consumed with the desire for greater wealth, labouring and striving to accumulate it, yet having no heirs to whom he could bequeath it (CP Ecc 4:7-8 with Psa 39:6; 1Jn 2:16).