_A.M. 3027. B.C. 977._ Outward things come to good and bad men alike, Ecclesiastes 9:1. Death puts an end to all, Ecclesiastes 9:4. Therefore enjoy the comforts and mind the business of life while it lasts, Ecclesiastes 9:7. God's providence disposes all things, Ecclesiastes 9:11; Ecclesiastes 9:12... [ Continue Reading ]
_For_, or _therefore_, as the LXX. render it, _all this I considered in my heart_ All that I have said concerning the methods of divine providence, toward good and bad men; _to declare all this_ To make this evident, first to myself, and then to others; _that the righteous_ Whom he mentions, not exc... [ Continue Reading ]
_All things come alike to all_ The good and evil things of this world equally happen to good and bad men; _as is the good, so is the sinner_ As to all outward things. _This is an evil_, &c. A great trouble and temptation to a considerate and good man; _yea, also the heart of the sons of men_ Of wick... [ Continue Reading ]
_For to him that is joined to all the living_ That continues with living men; _there is hope_ He hath not only some comfort for the present, but also hopes of further and greater happiness in this world, which men are very prone to entertain and cherish in themselves. Yea, he may have the hopes of a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go thy way_ Make this use of what I have said. _Eat thy bread_ Thy necessary and convenient food; _with joy_, &c. Cheerfully enjoy thy comforts, avoiding all distracting care and grief for the occurrences of this world. _For God now accepteth thy works_ Whosoever thou art, that art truly pious and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do_, &c. Whatever thou hast opportunity and ability to, in the duties of thy calling, or for the glory of God and the good of thy fellow creatures; _do it with all thy might_ With unwearied diligence, vigour, and expedition. Hereby again Solomon shows, that he does no... [ Continue Reading ]
_I returned and saw_ This may have some respect to the foregoing verse: for having urged men to labour with all their might, he now adds, by way of caution, that yet they must not be confident of their own strength, as if they were sure of success by it, but must look up to God for his blessing, wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_For man also knoweth not his time_ Namely, the time of his death, or of some other sore distress, which God is bringing upon him; _as fishes are taken in an evil net_ While they are sporting and feeding themselves, are suddenly and unexpectedly ensnared to their ruin; _so are the sons of men snared... [ Continue Reading ]
_This wisdom have I seen_ I have observed this among many other instances and effects of wisdom. Which he adds for the commendation of wisdom, notwithstanding its insufficiency for man's safety and happiness without God's blessing. _And it seemed great unto me_ I judged it very praiseworthy, though... [ Continue Reading ]
_The words of wise men_ Though poor; _are heard in quiet_ Are uttered with a modest and low voice, and are, or should be, _heard_ by wise men; _more than the cry_ The clamorous and senseless discourses; _of him that ruleth among fools_ Of a rich and potent, but foolish man, who has some influence on... [ Continue Reading ]