Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Bible Study Questions

The Pursuit of Independent Success

-The Discovery of Loving Relationships-

Paul J. Bucknell

Independent Success | Ecclesiastes 4:9 | Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 | A Look at Our Lives | Bible Study Questions
'Bible Study Questions' on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is the last of a five part expository study which reveals the message of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 through study questions.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

  1. Write out Ecclesiastes 4:9.
  2. Circle the two main parts of verse 9. How do they relate to each other?
  3. What does the first part, “two are better than one” mean?
  4. Do you think Solomon only refers to two individuals or could it refer to a greater number of people? How does Ecclesiastes 4:12 help shed light on this?
  5. What are the differences between a group of people and a team?
  6. Name at least one Biblical institution that incorporates this ‘two are better than one’ concept?
  7. How will a great marriage reflect this concept?
  8. How will a strong church reflect this concept?
  9. Some people are so goal-oriented that they do not show much if any concern for those around them. Solomon was like this during part of his life. After looking back on his life, he did not think it produced what it should have (cf. 2:11).  Do you at all have this tendency to achieve while neglecting those around you?  If so, what happens as a result? Please explain.
  10. What is the second part of Ecclesiastes 4:9? Explain what this means in this verse’s context. Explain and give several illustrations.
  11. What does Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 have in common?  
  12. How do these verses relate to the main thought in verse 9?
  13. Read verse 4:10, explain the illustration and apply it.
  14. Read verse 4:11, explain the illustration and apply it.
  15. Read verse 4:12, explain the illustration and apply it.
  16. Looking over verse 4:9 again, summarize the main concepts that are being taught here.
  17. Application questions. Please select the appropriate questions.







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Biblical Foundations for Freedom


Rev. Paul J. Bucknell