Study Guide: The Danger of Comparison
*This study guide can be used in conjunction with the message preached on August 31, 2025 titled the Danger of Comparison
Pray
Lord, thank You for seeing the struggles and burdens I carry at times. Forgive me when I strive out of envy or pride. Speak to me through Your Spirit as I read Ecclesiastes 4.
Read
Ecclesiastes 4:4-16
Observe
vv.4–6 | Hard work often leads to envy
Solomon noticed that many people succeed through hard work and talent, but instead of being celebrated, they are envied by others. This jealousy makes all their effort feel meaningless—like chasing the wind. It can even discourage people from doing good. On the other hand, some people respond to this by giving up altogether. They fold their hands and become lazy, but this only harms themselves. Solomon described such a person as “consuming his own flesh,” meaning they destroy themselves by doing nothing. In contrast, Solomon said it’s better to have one handful and peace than two handfuls and constant stress. He presents a balanced view: hard work is good, laziness is destructive, but even the successful must learn contentment.
vv.7–8 | What's the point of success if you’re alone?
Solomon described a man who is completely alone—he has no family or close friends. Yet he works constantly, never stopping to enjoy life, and never feeling satisfied with what he has. This man doesn’t even pause to ask why he’s working so hard or who he’s doing it for. Solomon called this kind of life a sad tragedy. From a worldly viewpoint, accomplishments lose their meaning when there’s no one to share them with. Even more, there’s no lasting reward or eternal value in such isolated hard work. Solomon’s observation reminds us that relationships matter more than riches.
vv.9–12 | Success is better when shared with others
Solomon then turned to the benefits of companionship. He said that two are better than one, and he began listing the reasons why. When people work together, they can accomplish more and enjoy a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone, there’s no one to offer support. Two people can also bring comfort to each other and help keep warm in tough times. They also provide protection; together they can stand against trouble that would overwhelm them alone. These verses highlight four major benefits of companionship: increased productivity, mutual support, comfort, and safety. Solomon finishes this section with a powerful image—a threefold cord is not easily broken. Many interpret this third strand as God, making the point that relationships, especially those centered on Him, are much stronger and more lasting.
vv.13–16 | Fame is short-lived and quickly forgotten
Solomon ended the chapter with a comparison between a young, wise man and an old, stubborn king. He said it’s better to be the young man, even if he came from poverty or prison, than the older ruler who refuses to listen anymore. Solomon pictured this young man rising to power and ruling over many people, but even that didn’t satisfy. Eventually, the people stopped celebrating him, and he faded into the background. This shows how fame doesn’t last. Even if someone becomes well-known and powerful, future generations may not remember or honor them. In the end, Solomon calls it what it is—vanity and a chasing after the wind. This is yet another example of how human achievements, without eternal purpose, are ultimately empty.
Apply
1. Choose Contentment Over Comparison
When we constantly compare ourselves to others, our hard work can become a source of frustration and jealousy. Solomon warns that even skillful labor can be poisoned by envy. Instead, we should pursue contentment—finding peace with what we have rather than striving endlessly to outdo others. A quiet life with less is better than a stressful life chasing more. Ask God to help you work with purpose, not for applause or competition. Practice gratitude daily to guard your heart against envy.
2. Don’t Trade Relationships for Achievements
Solomon paints a sad picture of someone who works nonstop but has no one to share life with. Success without meaningful relationships is hollow. No amount of wealth or status can replace genuine connection with others. Prioritize people over progress. Invest time in relationships with your family, friends, and church community. Don’t let your job or goals isolate you from those who matter most.
3. Build Strong Community with God at the Center
Solomon highlights the value of companionship—help in trouble, comfort in hardship, and strength in trials. But the strongest relationships include God as the third strand in the cord. Whether in friendship, marriage, or teamwork, unity with God makes us resilient and grounded. Strengthen your friendships and partnerships by praying together, encouraging one another, and keeping Christ at the center. Don’t walk through life alone—lean on others and let them lean on you.
Pray (ACTS)
What is the ACTS prayer model?
A – Praise God for being wise and good.
C – Confess the times you have chassed success and compared yourself to others.
T – Thank God for the blessings of work and friendship.
S – Ask God to help you live with contentment and strong relationships.
DISCUSS
Questions for personal reflection, spiritual insight, or group interaction.
In what ways have you seen envy influence your own work, goals, or attitudes?
Are you currently striving for more in life out of contentment or comparison?
How do you typically respond when others around you succeed—are you encouraged, jealous, or indifferent?
Have you ever experienced the emptiness of success without someone to share it with?
Are there areas in your life where you’ve prioritized work or achievement over relationships?
What does contentment look like for you in this season of life?
Do you find it easy or difficult to ask, “Who am I doing this for?” when it comes to your efforts and pursuits?
Who in your life lifts you up when you fall—and who do you reciprocate this for?
What are some practical ways we can value people over productivity in our culture today?
How does the image of a “threefold cord” apply to our friendships, marriages, or church relationships?
How can we encourage each other to live with purpose and peace instead of constant striving?
What relationships in your life need more intentional care and investment right now?