Ecclesiastes 4

The Preacher shifts to observing the oppression and injustice prevalent in the world, lamenting that the oppressed have no comforter. He concludes that the dead are more fortunate than the living, and better than both is the one who has never been born to see the evil deeds. The chapter critiques the futility of isolation and the value of companionship. "Two are better than one" because they have a good return for their labor, offer support in failure, and provide warmth and protection. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.