Four Benefits of Companionship

PEOPLE these days often celebrate the myth of rugged independence, praising the self-made, self-reliant individual. Yet whatever feats people may accomplish on their own, far greater achievements are won by dedicated, united teams working together toward common goals.

The writer of Ecclesiastes recognized this. He placed a high value on companionship for four reasons:

• Greater productivity. No matter how hard a single person works, he can rarely do as much as two people working together (Ecclesiastes 4:9). A team has to expend far less effort to achieve the same results, and a team can maximize results through increased efficiency.
• Access to immediate assistance. Sooner or later everyone fails. It is only human to do so. But if someone is alone in failure, the results can be devastating—not just to the product, but to the person. However, by working in partnership with others, people have a buffer against failure. It is less likely to occur, and when it occurs, companions are standing by to offer consolation and to help their friend get back on track (Ecclesiastes 4:10).
• Human comfort. The world can be a cold place. It can tear people apart without a second thought. That’s why it helps to have companions. They can offer comfort when life is harsh, not necessarily by anything they say, but just by being there (Ecclesiastes 4:11).
• Security. The world can be indifferent, but it can also be dangerous. One need not even go looking for trouble; trouble can come stalking on its own. But wolves tend to attack the solitary sheep, not the entire flock. That’s why it makes sense to travel through life in the company of others (Ecclesiastes 4:12). There is safety in numbers.

Have you made the effort to establish a solid, lasting friendship with one or two other people? If not, you are missing out on some valuable benefits that God intended for you. It is not wrong to be alone or to be independent by nature. But all human beings need someone with whom to share themselves. That is how God has made us.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.