Ecclesiastes 4:9–10—“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

Just before these verses, Solomon describes a man who labours without end yet has no one to share his gains with (vv. 7–8). His lonely labour leaves him asking, “For whom do I labour?” Solomon’s answer is that companionship makes work more fruitful and offers help when trouble comes.

The image of a person falling may bring to mind two travellers on a difficult road. If one stumbles, the other can lift him up. But the lesson extends beyond a journey. Illness, grief, discouragement, and spiritual weakness may leave any of us needing another person’s support. “Woe to him that is alone”, says Solomon, because no companion is there to help him rise.

These verses are often read at weddings, and rightly so, but their wisdom also applies to friendship, family, and the fellowship of the church. God has made us to give and receive care. Needing help is no cause for shame; refusing to notice another’s need is a cause for concern.

Is there someone you could encourage or assist this week? Perhaps you can listen patiently, share a burden, pray with a struggling believer, or help with a necessary task. And if you are the one who has fallen, let a trusted brother or sister know.

Thank God for faithful companions. Seek to be one yourself, remembering that our care for one another is a gift from the Lord.