This adage of yesteryear has been challenged, tested, rejected, and accepted, and has also been a book title. But few have delved into its origin.
In John Heywood’s 1546 book of proverbs, written in the Old Englishe tongue, records this line: some heads haue taken two headis better then one: but ten heads without wit, I wene as good none.
Say what?
A 2010 article in Scientific American entitled “Are Two Heads Better than One? It Depends,” set out to prove a problem-solving premise: do we perform better and make smarter decisions when we work together or alone? Turns out, two heads are better than one! The article goes on to explain the accomplishments of two-headed and/or team success.
In 2016, a piece in Psychology Today cites research by a Carnegie Mellon University professor suggesting that a group’s intelligence can surpass its individual members.
So, now, let’s examine the adage itself. According to John Gower’s “Confessio Amantis” written in 1390, “It’s just a very old proverb.”
Not so according to Ecclesiastes 4:9:
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
The author of Ecclesiastes elucidates that if one of the laborers falls, the other will pick him up. But if someone labors alone and falls, he has no one to lift him up. Together, we not only avoid pitfalls but are apt to work faster, smarter, better.
Ah, but that wasn’t the first spotlight the Bible places on this adage. No, no. Let’s go back to where our story begins. In Genesis 2:18, the Lord God said “it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Not lesser, not better, but comparable (like, similar, equal to).
God created us to share each other’s burdens, to gather together (Heb.10:25), and to live in unity. Sure, we also need time alone with the Lord in prayer, in His Word, to fulfill His call on our lives, to catch a fresh glimpse of God’s goodness. But, God, in His wisdom, made us better together. He provided a way for a more enjoyable, lighter workload with greater rewards.
By His design, two heads are better than one!
Wonderful reminder! I am reminded of the quote, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."
I am thanking God for your friendship and for all our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.