Ecclesiastes 4:12

"And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him.. cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."

Companionship also brings with it protection and security. "While numbers, wrongly related, can be divisive or disastrous….in their right form they can not only add to the benefits of union but multiply them" (Kidner p. 51). The cord of three strands was one of the strongest made. Various ideas could be found in the above illustration: 1. If one genuine friend is of greater value than riches, how much more two genuine friends? 2. To. strong marriage, children born of that relationship only add increased strength to the family (Psalms 127:4 "Like arrows in the hand of. warrior, so are the children of one's youth"). 3. In any relationship, God should be the third partner (Malachi 2:14).