A good marriage is held together by a 3-strand rope. In Eccl. 4:9-12, these verses remind us that two are better than one and the three together is better than two together. Solomon uses the analogy of a three-fold cord. He reminds us that a one stranded cord is weak by itself. A double stranded cord is stronger, but that a three stranded rope is stronger than either. A rope of three strands or cords is tough to break.
The three strands of a happy marriage are Faith, Hope, and Love.
Faith believes in the presence of God and the best for the other person.
Hope expects that the future will be bright and have a positive outcome.
Love is the fullness of life when God is active in each person.
