CRITICAL NOTES.—
ECCLESIASTES 5:1. THY FOOT] The outward movement, as showing the
tendency of the heart. THE SACRIFICE OF FOOLS] Some unworthy
satisfaction of the religious idea—an offering whose purpose is
merely to please God, and to serve as a salve for the conscience. THEY
CONSIDER NOT THAT THE... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.—
ECCLESIASTES 5:6. BEFORE THE ANGEL] The representative of God in the
Temple, _i.e_., the priest. Or it may be taken literally, as
expressing the early belief of mankind that angels are invisible
witnesses to our conduct, especially in God’s house. (1 Corinthians
11:10).
_MAIN HOMI... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.—
ECCLESIASTES 5:8. IN A PROVINCE] Such being far distant from the seat
of government it was more likely that there oppression would be
practised by subordinate rulers. _Higher than the highest, and there
be higher than they_. The king is over the oppressive ruler, and over
him there... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Ecclesiastes 5:10_
THE IMPOTENCE OF WEALTH
Wealth, though it confers great social influence and power, has yet
some elements of weakness, and fails when the severest tests are
applied.
I. WEALTH CANNOT SATISFY THE DESIRE IT RAISES. Wealth stimulates
desire, and... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.—
ECCLESIASTES 5:13. TO THEIR HURT] Inasmuch as they, at length, lose
those possessions (Ecclesiastes 5:14). The owner is more unhappy than
if he had never possessed at all.
ECCLESIASTES 5:17. EATETH IN DARKNESS] A spirit of melancholy
darkening the whole life.
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.—
ECCLESIASTES 5:20. HE SHALL NOT MUCH REMEMBER THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE] An
even joy is diffused through them—they pass smoothly and pleasantly
along. _Answereth him in the joy of his heart_. Answers him by
satisfying his desire, and thus prolonging his joy.
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PAR... [ Continue Reading ]