INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 11 This chapter begins with an exhortation to liberality to the poor, enforced by several reasons and arguments, and the objections to it removed; and the whole illustrated by various similes, Ecclesiastes 11:1; and then it is observed, that a life attended with outward... [ Continue Reading ]
CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERS,.... As the wise man had often suggested that nothing was better for a man than to enjoy the good of his labour himself, he here advises to let others, the poor, have a share with him; and as he had directed in the preceding chapter how men should behave towards their... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE A PORTION TO SEVEN, AND ALSO TO EIGHT,.... Or, a "part" q; not the whole of a man's substance, for he must have to support himself and his family; he that does not take care of that is worse than an infidel; a man may bestow all his goods on the poor, and not have charity; though no doubt there... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THE CLOUDS BE FULL OF RAIN, THEY EMPTY [THEMSELVES] UPON THE EARTH,.... They do not retain it; sad would it be for the earth if they did; but they let it down softly and gently, in plentiful showers upon each of the parts of the earth without distinction, by which it is refreshed, and made fruitf... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT OBSERVETH THE WIND SHALL NOT SOW,.... Who before he sows his seed is careful to observe where the wind is, from what corner it blows, and forbears sowing until it is down or changes, lest it should be troublesome unto him in sowing, or blow away his seed, and waits for a better season; such... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT [IS] THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT,.... If indeed a man could foresee and be assured of seasonable weather for sowing and reaping, or a proper opportunity for doing good, all circumstances agreeing, it would be right to wait for it, and take it; but as these things are not in our po... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE MORNING SOW THY SEED,.... Do all good works early and diligently, which is expressed by sowing in righteousness, Hosea 10:12; particularly alms deeds, often signified by sowing seed, Psalms 112:9 2 Corinthians 9:6; this should be in the morning of youth, that persons may be inured to it betim... [ Continue Reading ]
TRULY THE LIGHT [IS] SWEET,.... Here begins a new subject, as most think; and some here begin the twelfth and last chapter, and not improperly. This is true of natural light, which is exceeding pleasant, useful, and beneficial; by which men discern objects, behold the things of nature with pleasure,... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT IF A MAN LIVE MANY YEARS,.... Enjoying light and life, and beholding the sun with much delight and pleasure. The days of men on earth, or under the sun, are but few at most; but some live many days, in comparison of others; they come to a good old age, as Abraham did; and to their graves like a... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICE, O YOUNG MAN, IN THY YOUTH,.... This advice may be considered as serious; and either as relating to natural, corporeal, and temporal delight and pleasure, under due limitations; that as mirth and cheerfulness, or a free use of the creatures of God, with moderation and temperance, is allowabl... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE REMOVE SORROW FROM THY HEART,.... Worldly sorrow, as opposed to lawful mirth and cheerfulness, and especially to spiritual joy: or "anger" z, as the word may be rendered, and often is; either at the providence of God, or at the correction of friends; all perturbations of the mind; all fier... [ Continue Reading ]