_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 ]