A Cord of Three Strands Is Not Quickly Broken

At the end of his life, Solomon comes to realize that there is not a single person with whom he can share what is truly in his heart. He had power and wealth, yet he spent his wisdom on establishing himself and left his people in hardship, and after his death the kingdom was torn in two. David, by contrast, lived much of his life on the run, yet he still strove to keep himself from sin before God and gave himself up to protect his people.

What is amassed in this world crumbles like a sandcastle, but faith built up in walking with God, like a cord of three strands, does not break. With a faithful brother in the faith at one’s side, two can hold each other up and stand unshaken even when Satan tempts them. Whether it is wealth or position, the one who has gathered it for himself alone is left with no such brother.

Neither the king who enlarged his lands nor the king renowned for wisdom is remembered once a generation has passed. What is not forgotten is not achievement but only faith given in devotion to Christ. To build up those nearby in humility and love, forming bonds of faith like a cord of three strands, is the way an empty life becomes a life of true worth.