“So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living” (Ecclesiastes 4:2). This is certainly one of the more unique verses in the entire Bible. Normally in the Old Testament, life is exalted and desired. Even in other places in Ecclesiastes Solomon places a premium on life (9:4, 9). So why was Solomon here congratulating the dead?
Because the dead don’t have to see the worldwide abuse of power. Our world is full of evil men. Those evil men continually abuse power to the hurt of others. If a person has a single sensitive bone in his body, it troubles him to see the abuse of power. Poor people shouldn’t be taken advantage of because they are poor. Sick people, widows, orphans and any person disadvantaged in some way shouldn’t be oppressed. Yet, we see it happening every day on every continent of the world. The dead are better off because they don’t have to see this, Solomon said. So, what is the solution? Solomon suggested that those with power recognize that (a) there is One more powerful than them, (b) they will give an account in Judgment for their deeds.
Because the dead don’t have to see the helplessness of the oppressed. Solomon noted, “Behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them…” (4:1). It is tragic enough that the world has oppressors. It is even more tragic that there are those who will stand by and watch the oppressors and do nothing. “I can’t get involved,” they say. “I don’t even know this person.” Again, what is the solution? Solomon said that a God-fearing person will reach out to help others (cf. James 1:27). “Casting bread upon the waters” (11:1) seems to be an ancient saying designed to encourage generosity and kindness.
In Christianity, we’re encouraged to “do good unto all men” (Galatians 6:10). Taking care of the widows and orphans is called “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:17). We’re encouraged to “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:7ff). Christians should do what they can to create an honest and fair world. We also know that God will eventually bring about justice. “Vengeance is mine,” the Lord said, “I will repay” (Romans 12:19).
