Two Are Better Than One

Neal Pollard

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe
To the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands
is not quickly torn apart” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NASB).

The context is not about marriage. However, apply these principles to marriage and see:

YOU WILL IMPROVE ONE ANOTHER (9)
- You can encourage each other to grow and work together to make it happen.
YOU WILL HELP ONE ANOTHER (10)
- When you face discouragement and pain, you have each other for help
- When you have questions and dilemmas, you have each other for help
- When you face changes and challenges, you have each other for help
YOU WILL FILL THE NEEDS OF ONE ANOTHER (11)
- You will fill the physical needs in marriage (cf. Heb. 13:4)
- You will fill the emotional gap that can break the lonely heart
- You will meet your most intimate social needs through the companionship your mate provides
- You will build and realize your dreams of family together
YOU WILL STRENGTHEN ONE ANOTHER (12)
- This verse inspires the thought that marriage takes two
  - A husband and wife heading in the same direction
  - Working for God and resisting the devil (1 Pet. 5:9)
  - Both spouses committed to keeping close and strong
- This verse inspires the idea that marriage takes three (Matt. 6:33)

I once thought that marriage took just two to make a go,
But now I am convinced it takes the Lord also.
And not one marriage fails where Christ is asked to enter,
As lovers come together with Jesus at the center.
But marriage seldom thrives, and homes are incomplete,
Til He is welcomed there to help avoid defeat.
In homes where Christ is first, it’s obvious to see,
Those unions really work, for marriage still takes three.
--AUTHOR UNKNOWN