Title: Lamentation on Social Absurdity/Ecclesiasts Chapter 4
Content Lamentation over social absurdity
Ecclesiasts 4
1. The vanity of the abused (1-3)
Solomon is said to have seen many humans being abused in his lifetime. The misery of the oppressed is said to be “the oppressed weep, but they have no comforter.” The Bible forbids abuse. Because all human beings are created in the image of God, they are precious beings and objects of love. However, in Israeli society, abuse that violates God's law is being perpetrated, which speaks of the futility of life.
Looking at the life of this abused person, it is even said that the one who died first is the blessed one, and the one who is not born is the blessed one. Although Solomon's expression seems quite pessimistic and pessimistic, it emphasizes the futility of life apart from God, who is abused from a neo-capitalist point of view but has no one to comfort him.
Loving God, respecting and loving the saints should be our life.
2. Envy and the futility of human labor (4-6)
It refers to the futility of humans through the envy of others for their hard work and success, and humans should pursue a peaceful life.
A cruel and inhuman life towards each other due to unnecessary competition is of no value, even if a successful outcome is guaranteed.
3. The vanity of the lonely (7-12)
This paragraph speaks of the loneliness and misery of a person who exhibits extreme individualistic tendencies out of fear of social wounds, and speaks of a life of unity and a sense of companionship as a blessing.
God saw Adam alone and made Eve to live with him. Humans can receive help and comfort through cooperation and unity in a common life, and can devise countermeasures for life's problems.
4. The futility of worldly popularity (13-16)
Human beings who turn away from God can never achieve true salvation and happiness.
In the text, a wise boy becomes king and enjoys all the honor and power, but later he is rejected like his predecessor. If you try to live on the basis of popular acclaim, you are bound to be disappointed.