We weren’t made to do life alone. From the beginning, God created us for connection—with Him and with one another. That truth is beautifully echoed in Ecclesiastes, a book that explores life’s meaning in a world that often feels uncertain and fleeting. One of the most profound insights it offers is this: relationships are what make life rich.
1. Relationships Provide Support, Warmth, and Security
There’s something powerful about not walking through life alone. We all fall down. We all hit walls. We all go through seasons that are cold, hard, and confusing. That’s why God gives us each other—to help each other up, to share warmth in lonely moments, and to stand strong together when life tries to knock us down.
Have you ever tried to do something difficult by yourself that became easier once someone came alongside you? Whether it’s raising kids, facing illness, or simply managing daily life, everything is easier with someone by your side. Solomon writes, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). True strength comes when our relationships are not just about us—but include God as the third strand.
2. Relationships Build Reputations and Reveal Character
Our relationships don’t just support us—they also shape us. We are known by the way we treat others, and we carry the reputation we build through integrity, patience, and grace.
Unfortunately, even the wisest can fall. Ecclesiastes 7:7 warns, “Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” It’s heartbreaking to see good, intelligent people make decisions that compromise their character and damage relationships. A good name takes years to build and seconds to lose.
That’s why patience and self-control matter. “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Anger may feel satisfying in the moment, but it often leaves relational destruction in its wake. The ends don’t justify the means, and anger rarely leads to righteousness.
Another key to thriving relationships is letting go of offense. In a culture quick to cancel, criticize, and carry grudges, Ecclesiastes offers a breath of wisdom: “Do not pay attention to every word people say…” (7:21). We’ve all said things we didn’t mean, and we've all needed grace. So why not be quick to extend it to others?
3. Relationships Stay Strong Through All Seasons
Life is full of seasons—joyful and painful, peaceful and chaotic. Relationships that last are built on commitment, not convenience. True friendship, deep community, and lasting marriages say, “No matter what the future holds, I’ll be with you and for you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages us to “enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… all your meaningless days under the sun.” That might sound cynical, but it’s really grounding.
Solomon reminds us that life is short and often puzzling, but relationships make it meaningful. In a world where so much feels fleeting, deep commitment stands out as something truly rich.
4. Strong Relationships Are Fed by Our Relationship with God
The strongest relationships don’t rely solely on human strength—they draw from God. He’s the third strand in the cord. When God is the center of a marriage, a friendship, or a team, there’s a deeper resilience and purpose.
Think of it this way: when we pray with and for the people in our lives, we’re not just maintaining relationships—we’re strengthening them at the core. God is the source of grace, wisdom, patience, and love that we all desperately need.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that life can feel confusing, brief, or even meaningless—but relationships breathe purpose into our days. When we commit to each other, live with integrity, extend grace, and invite God into the center, our lives become richer than we ever imagined.
So don’t go it alone. Build relationships. Nurture them. Be a friend in every season. And never forget—a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
1. Relationships Provide Support, Warmth, and Security
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
There’s something powerful about not walking through life alone. We all fall down. We all hit walls. We all go through seasons that are cold, hard, and confusing. That’s why God gives us each other—to help each other up, to share warmth in lonely moments, and to stand strong together when life tries to knock us down.
Have you ever tried to do something difficult by yourself that became easier once someone came alongside you? Whether it’s raising kids, facing illness, or simply managing daily life, everything is easier with someone by your side. Solomon writes, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). True strength comes when our relationships are not just about us—but include God as the third strand.
Reflection: Who is helping hold you up right now? Who are you helping up?
2. Relationships Build Reputations and Reveal Character
“A good name is better than fine perfume…” (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
Our relationships don’t just support us—they also shape us. We are known by the way we treat others, and we carry the reputation we build through integrity, patience, and grace.
Unfortunately, even the wisest can fall. Ecclesiastes 7:7 warns, “Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” It’s heartbreaking to see good, intelligent people make decisions that compromise their character and damage relationships. A good name takes years to build and seconds to lose.
That’s why patience and self-control matter. “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Anger may feel satisfying in the moment, but it often leaves relational destruction in its wake. The ends don’t justify the means, and anger rarely leads to righteousness.
Another key to thriving relationships is letting go of offense. In a culture quick to cancel, criticize, and carry grudges, Ecclesiastes offers a breath of wisdom: “Do not pay attention to every word people say…” (7:21). We’ve all said things we didn’t mean, and we've all needed grace. So why not be quick to extend it to others?
Reflection: Where do you need to practice patience this week instead of reacting in anger? Are you holding onto offenses that you need to release?
3. Relationships Stay Strong Through All Seasons
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
Life is full of seasons—joyful and painful, peaceful and chaotic. Relationships that last are built on commitment, not convenience. True friendship, deep community, and lasting marriages say, “No matter what the future holds, I’ll be with you and for you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages us to “enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… all your meaningless days under the sun.” That might sound cynical, but it’s really grounding.
Solomon reminds us that life is short and often puzzling, but relationships make it meaningful. In a world where so much feels fleeting, deep commitment stands out as something truly rich.
Reflection: Who are you committed to—through every season? Are you showing up consistently for them?
4. Strong Relationships Are Fed by Our Relationship with God
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
The strongest relationships don’t rely solely on human strength—they draw from God. He’s the third strand in the cord. When God is the center of a marriage, a friendship, or a team, there’s a deeper resilience and purpose.
Think of it this way: when we pray with and for the people in our lives, we’re not just maintaining relationships—we’re strengthening them at the core. God is the source of grace, wisdom, patience, and love that we all desperately need.
Reflection: Are you inviting God into your relationships? What would change if you did?
Ecclesiastes reminds us that life can feel confusing, brief, or even meaningless—but relationships breathe purpose into our days. When we commit to each other, live with integrity, extend grace, and invite God into the center, our lives become richer than we ever imagined.
So don’t go it alone. Build relationships. Nurture them. Be a friend in every season. And never forget—a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.