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In our present day scenario, let us re-examine King Solomon’s description in Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 of this lonely man who “had neither son or brother” and had been busy toiling for his wealth. He is that high-flying executive who devoted all his life to build his career and climb the corporate ladder. For the most part of his life, he worked extraordinarily long hours, frequently made overseas business trips and spent weekends golfing with business associates. He is seldom home to have meals with his family. He definitely has no time to assist his children in their schoolwork nor able to go watch their football matches. However, his career has been successful and he has made it to the top of the corporate ladder – he has made his millions. Yet, sadly at the apex of his life, he is a man alone. By the time he is ready to enjoy the wealth he amassed, he “had neither son or brother”. It is not that he is unmarried and has no children but that his children are grown and have left home. Such is the sad and pitiful state of this man who was too busy and never content with the wealth he had. The true wealth of a dynamic family life is lost. King Solomon wisely warns us to not fall prey to busyness and greed; there is a price to pay, a lonely man without family and friend leads a meaningless existence.
To emphasise this point further, King Solomon spells out the value of friendship. Friends who labour together can make for lighter work, greater success and shared joy in accomplished goals. Joyful celebration is far sweeter when there are many to share in the happiness. You cannot clap with one hand. Friends who help in times of trouble promote relationships of mutual dependency and trust. It teaches humility when one has to ask for help from friends and the rendering of help to others results in love and kindness. Friends in fellowship seek to prompt and encourage each other to love and good works. Together they continue to be zealous and aflame for effective Christian ministry. It can be especially difficult when one strives alone. Two pieces of coals burn more brightly and last longer. Friends in adversity offer strength in the midst of trials and hardships. We need friends to walk with us through the dark times; otherwise life will seem utterly harsh and impossible.
The Bible teaches us to be content with material wealth for “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Foremost of all we must get our priorities right and devote our time throughout our working life to family and friends.
