“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

For a majority of my life I have been more of a lone wolf than part of a pack. Don’t get me wrong, I have some really great friends. But I tend to go it alone.

I’ve lived and traveled three continents on my own. For all of my degrees I almost always studied alone, as others would usually just hold me back. When it came to planning for my future, or how I would work, I would tend to rely on myself.

It wasn’t until I met my wife that I found someone who I always loved being around. Ecclesiastes 4:12 is usually quoted to support the strength that a marriage with Christ at  the center can bring. While this application is true, the principle is true in other aspects of life as well.

In fact, I think the original context of this particular verse actually applies to a fight. If you were to fight one person alone you might win. But, if you try to fight two others alone they will probably beat you. Now, three men against you by yourself and they won’t be broken anymore easily than a threefold rope (which is really strong by the way).

Now, the converse is equally true. If it’s one on one you may prevail against him. If there is two of you against him then you will be able to hold him off. If there are three of you then you won’t be easily beaten.

The idea is that if you want to win in a fight you can’t always go it alone. You need help. You need a wolf pack. The same is true in your labor as the preceding verses in Ecclesiastes 4 point out. The fruit of your labor will be greater if there are two of you working than just one.

It may seem easier to go it alone because it’s less complicated and you don’t have to rely on anyone other than yourself, but you are actually setting yourself up for disaster. God has recently been teaching me this as I embark in the legal profession, a profession where adversity is just part of the job. It’s OK to have help. And not only is it OK, but it’s as wise as the wisdom of Solomon.