The new focus is on work. As in the previous section, it begins with an observation that prompts questions and provides insight: “Since there is work…”; from there, it draws two conclusions: 1. “A handful with tranquility is better than two with fatigue,” because fatigue and success are linked to rivalry and envy. 2. “A threefold cord is not quickly broken”; two are better than one, since the fruit of one’s labor is meaningless.
These are likely two ancient proverbs that convey traditional wisdom. Qohelet uses them to show the results of his reflection on experience.