Two are better than one,
because they get a good return for their effort. Ecclesiastes 4:9, TLV

Back when I worked in the corporate world, a high ROI was paramount. Division heads and executives wanted to know that Return on Investment. Too low? Get rid of the project. Great ROI? How could it be more successful or replicated?

It’s interesting the translators used a similar business term for fellowship.

For if they fall,
    the one will lift up his companion.
But oy [woe] to the one who falls
    and has no one to lift him up! (vs. 10, TLV)

King Solomon’s sometimes depressing “proverbs” in Ecclesiastes brought an interesting concept to mind this morning. How is our fellowship or friendship ROI?

If we’re always the one lifting up the friend who falls, and there’s little to no reciprocity, we might want to evaluate that investment. Not assessing the value of the person, but the relationship.

I have friends that because of great distances, we’re unable to regularly “invest” in each other’s lives. However, when we do, that investment is so great, it goes a long way.

Likewise, I need to assess my investment value to others. Have they received value from what I’ve given to them — meaningful time, prayers, listening ear, a caring card, a phone call or visit?

Worth investing time to think about, yes?

Shabbat shalom.