Do the Math! 1+1=3 ~ The Power of Synergy in Marriage

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Three thousand years ago, after building his kingdom and acquiring immense wealth and wisdom, King Solomon wrote a guide to life. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, he shares a fundamental truth: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."

This principle is what we now call synergy, a Greek word meaning to work together. When a husband and wife embrace this concept, as well as each other, their combined effort is greater than the sum of their individual parts—in other words, 1+1=3.

A wife is an invaluable partner in this synergistic relationship. Men, too often, we let our ego get in the way and dismiss her recommendations. We think, "How can her idea be good if it wasn't mine?" Big mistake, guys! As Solomon also warned, "Pride goeth before the fall." When you're standing on your own, there's no one to pick you up when you inevitably take a tumble. Pay attention to that word "inevitably."

A wife's intuitive nature is her superpower. She can be your sounding board, offering a second opinion and a broader perspective when you have tunnel vision. She can see potential pitfalls before they happen and point out exciting new paths you might otherwise miss. Working with your wife doesn't guarantee victory, but working against her almost always guarantees failure. If we do this, the math changes; 1-1 ≤ 0.

Some people believe life is a solo competition, a race where you have to elbow others out of the way to win. They live by the motto, "Do it yourself! Go it alone!" But as Solomon discovered after years of chasing wealth and power, it all becomes "hebel"—a puff of smoke. The endless pursuit of more is ultimately unfulfilling. Guys, do yourself a favor. Reject the “Lone Wolf” mentality.

Solomon's conclusion in Ecclesiastes is to enjoy the simple things in life, and a strong marriage can be one of them. By returning to the basic command to "love one another," we can embrace the synergy God intended for us. Work on building that relationship with your spouse, and you will find that two are always better than one. That’s the power of synergy in marriage. Do the math!

I don’t know what you’ve heard, but the truth is... "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10