The context of Ecclesiastes 4:2,3 is that of oppression in a meaningless world. Instead of suffering oppression and then finding “happiness” in the grave, he who does best is the one never born – he has experienced no suffering at all. The ultimate cure for the vanity of this world is service in the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). So what do the scriptures say on bringing children into the world?

The bible verses encouraging us to have children are many. God, in the context of under population, commanded Noah to be fruitful and multiply across the earth (Gen 9:1). When Onan did not produce a child (to preserve his brother’s line) God killed him (Gen 38:9,10). Again to an obedient Israel the promise of a fruitful womb was given (Deut 28:11). Psalms 127 and 128 give much encouragement in having children. The Apostle Paul acknowledges that in a sexually charged environment it is good for a man to marry (1 Cor 7:2,9), and children would have been the inevitable outcome of this. The only countering verse I can think of is when the Lord Jesus warns the inhabitants of Jerusalem of the coming great distress He says people will think themselves blessed if they had no children (Luke 23:29).

The biblical pattern given to us is to have children. I think you have raised a good point in that those who do not want / cannot have their own children can consider adopting, and perhaps more Christians should consider this.