In the pessimistic Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, the context of chapter four is vanity or emptiness (cf. vv. 7, 8). It’s an old book, of course, but it speaks to our day. How can one survive alone in our own dog-eat-dog culture? He can’t. In the midst of what Solomon called, “an unhappy business” (v. 8), there is a good return for a good investment, i.e. friendship. Verse nine of chapter four says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”
A good friend is a good investment, because a real friend helps you when you are down. “For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow…” (Ecclesiastes 4:10). But how does one know the difference between acquaintances and friends? Get into some trouble, and you will soon find out. Remember, “A friend loves at all times” (cf. Proverbs 17:17).
A good friend is a good investment, because a real friend provides warmth in a cold and cruel world. “Again, if two lie together, they keep warm…” (Ecclesiastes 4:11). We need help to face circumstances that are beyond our control. Sometimes the world is cold, and we need to be able to gain emotional strength when we don’t have enough strength of our own. There are two types of people in the world: encouragers and discouragers. You should decide to be an encourager and the friend that someone desperately needs.
A good friend is a good investment, because a real friend will fight to protect you. Solomon said, “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him…” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). This idea comes from hand-to-hand combat. Paired soldiers fought, back-to-back, to oppose the enemy on every side. Friends guard your back and protect your reputation.
Good friends are a blessing to us all. They enhance our lives beyond degree. Thank God for Christian friends. More than that, thank God for Jesus Who deserves to be your best friend. He already knows you better than anyone else does. He already has done more for you than anyone else has. He will always be available to you when you need Him. Remember that He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).
–Andy