The name of this book signifies "The Preacher." The wisdom of God here preaches to us, speaking by Solomon, who it is evident was the author. At the close of his life, being made sensible of his sin and folly, he recorded here his experience for the benefit of others, as the book of his repentance; and he pronounced all earthly good to be "vanity and vexation of spirit." It convinces us of the vanity of the world, and that it cannot make us happy; of the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable. It shows that no created good can satisfy the soul, and that happiness is to be found in God alone; and this doctrine must, under the blessed Spirit's teaching, lead the heart to Christ Jesus.
Solomon shows that all human things are vain. (1-3) Man's toil and want of satisfaction. (4-8) There is nothing new. (9-11) The vexation in pursuit of knowledge. (12-18)
@Verses 1-3 Much is to be learned by comparing one part of Scripture with another. We here behold Solomon returning from the broken and empty cisterns of the world, to the Fountain of living water; recording his own folly and shame, the bitterness of his disappointment, and the lessons he had learned. Those that have taken warning to turn and live, should warn others not to go on and die. He does not merely say all things are vain, but that they are vanity. VANITY OF VANITIES, ALL IS VANITY. This is the text of the preacher's sermon, of which in this book he never loses sight. If this world, in its present state, were all, it would not be worth living for; and the wealth and pleasure of this world, if we had ever so much, are not enough to make us happy. What profit has a man of all his labour? All he gets by it will not supply the wants of the soul, nor satisfy its desires; will not atone for the sins of the soul, nor hinder the loss of it: what profit will the wealth of the world be to the soul in death, in judgment, or in the everlasting state?
@Verses 4-8 All things change, and never rest. Man, after all his labour, is no nearer finding rest than the sun, the wind, or the current of the river. His soul will find no rest, if he has it not from God. The senses are soon tired, yet still craving what is untried.
@Verses 9-11 Men's hearts and their corruptions are the same now as in former times; their desires, and pursuits, and complaints, still the same. This should take us from expecting happiness in the creature, and quicken us to seek eternal blessings. How many things and persons in Solomon's day were thought very great, yet there is no remembrance of them now!
@Verses 12-18
Solomon tried all things, and found them vanity. He found
his searches after knowledge weariness, not only to the flesh,
but to the mind. The more he saw of the works done under the
sun, the more he saw their vanity; and the sight often vexed his
spirit. He could neither gain that satisfaction to himself, nor
do that good to others, which he expected. Even the pursuit of
knowledge and wisdom discovered man's wickedness and misery; so
that the more he knew, the more he saw cause to lament and
mourn. Let us learn to hate and fear sin, the cause of all this
vanity and misery; to value Christ; to seek rest in the
knowledge, love, and service of the Saviour.
The vanity and vexation of mirth, sensual pleasure, riches,
and pomp. (1-11) Human wisdom insufficient. (12-17) This world
to be used according to the will of God. (18-26)
@Verses 1-11
Solomon soon found mirth and pleasure to be vanity. What
does noisy, flashy mirth towards making a man happy? The
manifold devices of men's hearts, to get satisfaction from the
world, and their changing from one thing to another, are like
the restlessness of a man in a fever. Perceiving it was folly to
give himself to wine, he next tried the costly amusements of
princes. The poor, when they read such a description, are ready
to feel discontent. But the remedy against all such feelings is
in the estimate of it all by the owner himself. All was vanity
and vexation of spirit: and the same things would yield the same
result to us, as to Solomon. Having food and raiment, let us
therewith be content. His wisdom remained with him; a strong
understanding, with great human knowledge. But every earthly
pleasure, when unconnected with better blessings, leaves the
mind as eager and unsatisfied as before. Happiness arises not
from the situation in which we are placed. It is only through
Jesus Christ that final blessedness can be attained.
@Verses 12-17
Solomon found that knowledge and prudence were preferable
to ignorance and folly, though human wisdom and knowledge will
not make a man happy. The most learned of men, who dies a
stranger to Christ Jesus, will perish equally with the most
ignorant; and what good can commendations on earth do to the
body in the grave, or the soul in hell? And the spirits of just
men made perfect cannot want them. So that if this were all, we
might be led to hate our life, as it is all vanity and vexation
of spirit.
@Verses 18-26
Our hearts are very loth to quit their expectations of
great things from the creature; but Solomon came to this at
length. The world is a vale of tears, even to those that have
much of it. See what fools they are, who make themselves drudges
to the world, which affords a man nothing better than
subsistence for the body. And the utmost he can attain in this
respect is to allow himself a sober, cheerful use thereof,
according to his rank and condition. But we must enjoy good in
our labour; we must use those things to make us diligent and
cheerful in worldly business. And this is the gift of God.
Riches are a blessing or a curse to a man, according as he has,
or has not, a heart to make a good use of them. To those that
are accepted of the Lord, he gives joy and satisfaction in the
knowledge and love of him. But to the sinner he allots labour,
sorrow, vanity, and vexation, in seeking a worldly portion,
which yet afterwards comes into better hands. Let the sinner
seriously consider his latter end. To seek a lasting portion in
the love of Christ and the blessings it bestows, is the only way
to true and satisfying enjoyment even of this present world.
The changes of human affairs. (1-10) The Divine counsels
unchangeable. (11-15) The vanity of worldly power. (16-22)
@Verses 1-10
To expect unchanging happiness in a changing world, must
end in disappointment. To bring ourselves to our state in life,
is our duty and wisdom in this world. God's whole plan for the
government of the world will be found altogether wise, just, and
good. Then let us seize the favourable opportunity for every
good purpose and work. The time to die is fast approaching. Thus
labour and sorrow fill the world. This is given us, that we may
always have something to do; none were sent into the world to be
idle.
@Verses 11-15
Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us.
We have the world so much in our hearts, are so taken up with
thoughts and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time
nor spirit to see God's hand in them. The world has not only
gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against
the beauty of God's works. We mistake if we think we were born
for ourselves; no, it is our business to do good in this life,
which is short and uncertain; we have but little time to be
doing good, therefore we should redeem time. Satisfaction with
Divine Providence, is having faith that all things work together
for good to them that love him. God doeth all, that men should
fear before him. The world, as it has been, is, and will be.
There has no change befallen us, nor has any temptation by it
taken us, but such as is common to men.
@Verses 16-22
Without the fear of the Lord, man is but vanity; set that
aside, and judges will not use their power well. And there is
another Judge that stands before the door. With God there is a
time for the redressing of grievances, though as yet we see it
not. Solomon seems to express his wish that men might perceive,
that by choosing this world as their portion, they brought
themselves to a level with the beasts, without being free, as
they are, from present vexations and a future account. Both
return to the dust from whence they were taken. What little
reason have we to be proud of our bodies, or bodily
accomplishments! But as none can fully comprehend, so few
consider properly, the difference between the rational soul of
man, and the spirit or life of the beast. The spirit of man goes
upward, to be judged, and is then fixed in an unchangeable state
of happiness or misery. It is as certain that the spirit of the
beast goes downward to the earth; it perishes at death. Surely
their case is lamentable, the height of whose hopes and wishes
is, that they may die like beasts. Let our inquiry be, how an
eternity of existence may be to us an eternity of enjoyment? To
answer this, is the grand design of revelation. Jesus is
revealed as the Son of God, and the Hope of sinners.
Miseries from oppression. (1-3) troubles from envy. (4-6) The
folly of covetousness. (7,8) The advantages of mutual
assistance. (9-12) the changes of royalty. (13-16)
@Verses 1-3
It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right.
Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and
misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and
to each other. Being thus hardly used, men are tempted to hate
and despise life. But a good man, though badly off while in this
world, cannot have cause to wish he had never been born, since
he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy
at last, for ever happy. Ungodly men have most cause to wish the
continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more
miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins. If
human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would
be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions here
below.
@Verses 4-6
Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to
well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and
whose efforts are crowned with success. They often become great
and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Others,
seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more
satisfaction in sloth and idleness. But idleness is a sin that
is its own punishment. Let us by honest industry lay hold on the
handful, that we may not want necessaries, but not grasp at both
hands full, which would only create vexation of spirit. Moderate
pains and gains do best.
@Verses 7-8
Frequently, the more men have, the more they would have;
and on this they are so intent, that they get no enjoyment from
what they have. Selfishness is the cause of this evil. A selfish
man cares for nobody; there is none to take care of but himself,
yet he will scarcely allow necessary rest to himself, and the
people he employs. He never thinks he has enough. He has enough
for his calling, for his family, but he has not enough for his
eyes. Many are so set upon the world, that in pursuit of it they
bereave themselves, not only of the favour of God and eternal
life, but of the pleasures of this life. The distant relations
or strangers who inherit such a man's wealth, never thank him.
Covetousness gathers strength by time and habit; men tottering
on the brink of the grave, grow more grasping and griping. Alas,
and how often do we see men professing to be followers of Him,
who, "though he was rich, for our sakes became poor," anxiously
scraping money together and holding it fast, excusing themselves
by common-place talking about the necessity of care, and the
danger of extravagance!
@Verses 9-12
Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard
to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In
all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the
union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or
friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they
converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his
praises. Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian
fellowship. In these things all is not vanity, though there will
be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are
closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his
Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.
@Verses 13-16
People are never long easy and satisfied; they are fond
of changes. This is no new thing. Princes see themselves
slighted by those they have studied to oblige; this is vanity
and vexation of spirit. But the willing servants of the Lord
Jesus, our King, rejoice in him alone, and they will love Him
more and more to all eternity.
What renders devotion vain. (1-3) Of vows, and oppression.
(4-8) the vanity of riches shown. (9-7) The right use of riches.
(18-20)
@Verses 1-3
Address thyself to the worship of God, and take time to
compose thyself for it. Keep thy thoughts from roving and
wandering: keep thy affections from running out toward wrong
objects. We should avoid vain repetitions; copious prayers are
not here condemned, but those that are unmeaning. How often our
wandering thoughts render attendance on Divine ordinances little
better than the sacrifice of fools! Many words and hasty ones,
used in prayer, show folly in the heart, low thoughts of God,
and careless thoughts of our own souls.
@Verses 4-8
When a person made engagements rashly, he suffered his
mouth to cause his flesh to sin. The case supposes a man coming
to the priest, and pretending that his vow was made rashly, and
that it would be wrong to fulfil it. Such mockery of God would
bring the Divine displeasure, which might blast what was thus
unduly kept. We are to keep down the fear of man. Set God before
thee; then, if thou seest the oppression of the poor, thou wilt
not find fault with Divine Providence; nor think the worse of
the institution of magistracy, when thou seest the ends of it
thus perverted; nor of religion, when thou seest it will not
secure men from suffering wrong. But though oppressors may be
secure, God will reckon for all.
@Verses 9-17
The goodness of Providence is more equally distributed
than appears to a careless observer. The king needs the common
things of life, and the poor share them; they relish their
morsel better than he does his luxuries. There are bodily
desires which silver itself will not satisfy, much less will
worldly abundance satisfy spiritual desires. The more men have,
the better house they must keep, the more servants they must
employ, the more guests they must entertain, and the more they
will have hanging on them. The sleep of the labourer is sweet,
not only because he is tired, but because he has little care to
break his sleep. The sleep of the diligent Christian, and his
long sleep, are sweet; having spent himself and his time in the
service of God, he can cheerfully repose in God as his Rest. But
those who have every thing else, often fail to secure a good
night's sleep; their abundance breaks their rest. Riches do
hurt, and draw away the heart from God and duty. Men do hurt
with their riches, not only gratifying their own lusts, but
oppressing others, and dealing hardly with them. They will see
that they have laboured for the wind, when, at death, they find
the profit of their labour is all gone like the wind, they know
not whither. How ill the covetous worldling bears the calamities
of human life! He does not sorrow to repentance, but is angry at
the providence of God, angry at all about him; which doubles his
affliction.
@Verses 18-20
Life is God's gift. We must not view our calling as a
drudgery, but take pleasure in the calling where God puts us. A
cheerful spirit is a great blessing; it makes employments easy,
and afflictions light. Having made a proper use of riches, a man
will remember the days of his past life with pleasure. The
manner in which Solomon refers to God as the Giver, both of life
and its enjoyments, shows they ought to be received and to be
used, consistently with his will, and to his glory. Let this
passage recommend to all the kind words of the merciful
Redeemer, "Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that
meat which endureth unto everlasting life." Christ is the Bread
of life, the only food of the soul. All are invited to partake
of this heavenly provision.
The vanity of riches. Also of long life and flourishing
families. (1-6) The little advantage any one has in outward
things. (7-12)
@Verses 1-6
A man often has all he needs for outward enjoyment; yet the
Lord leaves him so to covetousness or evil dispositions, that he
makes no good or comfortable use of what he has. By one means or
other his possessions come to strangers; this is vanity, and an
evil disease. A numerous family was a matter of fond desire and
of high honour among the Hebrews; and long life is the desire of
mankind in general. Even with these additions a man may not be
able to enjoy his riches, family, and life. Such a man, in his
passage through life, seems to have been born for no end or use.
And he who has entered on life only for one moment, to quit it
the next, has a preferable lot to him who has lived long, but
only to suffer.
@Verses 7-12
A little will serve to sustain us comfortably, and a great
deal can do no more. The desires of the soul find nothing in the
wealth of the world to give satisfaction. The poor man has
comfort as well as the richest, and is under no real
disadvantage. We cannot say, Better is the sight of the eyes
than the resting of the soul in God; for it is better to live by
faith in things to come, than to live by sense, which dwells
only upon present things. Our lot is appointed. We have what
pleases God, and let that please us. The greatest possessions
and honours cannot set us above the common events of human life.
Seeing that the things men pursue on earth increase vanities,
what is man the better for his worldly devices? Our life upon
earth is to be reckoned by days. It is fleeting and uncertain,
and with little in it to be fond of, or to be depended on. Let
us return to God, trust in his mercy through Jesus Christ, and
submit to his will. Then soon shall we glide through this
vexatious world, and find ourselves in that happy place, where
there is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.
The benefit of a good name; of death above life; of sorrow
above vain mirth. (1-6) Concerning oppression, anger, and
discontent. (7-10) Advantages of wisdom. (11-22) Experience of
the evil of sin. (23-29)
@Verses 1-6
Reputation for piety and honesty is more desirable than all
the wealth and pleasure in this world. It will do more good to
go to a funeral than to a feast. We may lawfully go to both, as
there is occasion; our Saviour both feasted at the wedding of
his friend in Cana, and wept at the grave of his friend in
Bethany. But, considering how apt we are to be vain and indulge
the flesh, it is best to go to the house of mourning, to learn
the end of man as to this world. Seriousness is better than
mirth and jollity. That is best for us which is best for our
souls, though it be unpleasing to sense. It is better to have
our corruptions mortified by the rebuke of the wise, than to
have them gratified by the song of fools. The laughter of a fool
is soon gone, the end of his mirth is heaviness.
@Verses 7-10
The event of our trials and difficulties is often better
than at first we thought. Surely it is better to be patient in
spirit, than to be proud and hasty. Be not soon angry, nor quick
in resenting an affront. Be not long angry; though anger may
come into the bosom of a wise man, it passes through it as a
way-faring man; it dwells only in the bosom of fools. It is
folly to cry out upon the badness of our times, when we have
more reason to cry out for the badness of our own hearts; and
even in these times we enjoy many mercies. It is folly to cry up
the goodness of former times; as if former ages had not the like
things to complain of that we have: this arises from discontent,
and aptness to quarrel with God himself.
@Verses 11-22
Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea better. It
shelters from the storms and scorching heat of trouble. Wealth
will not lengthen out the natural life; but true wisdom will
give spiritual life, and strengthen men for services under their
sufferings. Let us look upon the disposal of our condition as
the work of God, and at last all will appear to have been for
the best. In acts of righteousness, be not carried into heats or
passions, no, not by a zeal for God. Be not conceited of thine
own abilities; nor find fault with every thing, nor busy thyself
in other men's matters. Many who will not be wrought upon by the
fear of God, and the dread of hell, will avoid sins which ruin
their health and estate, and expose to public justice. But those
that truly fear God, have but one end to serve, therefore act
steadily. If we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves.
Every true believer is ready to say, God be merciful to me a
sinner. Forget not at the same time, that personal
righteousness, walking in newness of life, is the only real
evidence of an interest by faith in the righteousness of the
Redeemer. Wisdom teaches us not to be quick in resenting
affronts. Be not desirous to know what people say; if they speak
well of thee, it will feed thy pride, if ill, it will stir up
thy passion. See that thou approve thyself to God and thine own
conscience, and then heed not what men say of thee; it is easier
to pass by twenty affronts than to avenge one. When any harm is
done to us, examine whether we have not done as bad to others.
@Verses 23-29
Solomon, in his search into the nature and reason of
things, had been miserably deluded. But he here speaks with
godly sorrow. He alone who constantly aims to please God, can
expect to escape; the careless sinner probably will fall to rise
no more. He now discovered more than ever the evil of the great
sin of which he had been guilty, the loving many strange women,
@1 kings
found. How was he likely to find such a one among those he had
collected? If any of them had been well disposed, their
situation would tend to render them all nearly of the same
character. He here warns others against the sins into which he
had been betrayed. Many a godly man can with thankfulness
acknowledge that he has found a prudent, virtuous woman in the
wife of his bosom; but those men who have gone in Solomon's
track, cannot expect to find one. He traces up all the streams
of actual transgression to the fountain. It is clear that man is
corrupted and revolted, and not as he was made. It is lamentable
that man, whom God made upright, has found out so many ways to
render himself wicked and miserable. Let us bless Him for Jesus
Christ, and seek his grace, that we may be numbered with his
chosen people.
Commendations of wisdom. (1-5) To prepare for sudden evils and
death. (6-8) It shall be well with the righteous, and ill with
the wicked. (9-13) Mysteries of Providence. (14-17)
@Verses 1-5
None of the rich, the powerful, the honourable, or the
accomplished of the sons of men, are so excellent, useful, or
happy, as the wise man. Who else can interpret the words of God,
or teach aright from his truths and dispensations? What madness
must it be for weak and dependent creatures to rebel against the
Almighty! What numbers form wrong judgments, and bring misery on
themselves, in this life and that to come!
@Verses 6-8
God has, in wisdom, kept away from us the knowledge of
future events, that we may be always ready for changes. We must
all die, no flight or hiding-place can save us, nor are there
any weapons of effectual resistance. Ninety thousand die every
day, upwards of sixty every minute, and one every moment. How
solemn the thought! Oh that men were wise, that they understood
these things, that they would consider their latter end! The
believer alone is prepared to meet the solemn summons.
Wickedness, by which men often escape human justice, cannot
secure from death.
@Verses 9-13
Solomon observed, that many a time one man rules over
another to his hurt, and that prosperity hardens them in their
wickedness. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Vengeance comes
slowly, but it comes surely. A good man's days have some
substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are
all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Let us pray that we may
view eternal things as near, real, and all-important.
@Verses 14-17
Faith alone can establish the heart in this mixed scene,
where the righteous often suffer, and the wicked prosper.
Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from
confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the
sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun,
than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life
according to his rank. He would not have us try to give a reason
for what God does. But, leaving the Lord to clear up all
difficulties in his own time, we may cheerfully enjoy the
comforts, and bear up under the trials of life; while peace of
conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost will abide in us through
all outward changes, and when flesh and heart shall fail.
Good and bad men fare alike as to this world. (1-3) All men
must die, Their portion as to this life. (4-10) Disappointments
common. (11,12) Benefits of wisdom. (13-18)
@Verses 1-3
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of
God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may
learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But
man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love,
or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference
between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The
difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward
supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit
they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons
of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil;
and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance
by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous
and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side
there will be a vast difference between them.
@Verses 4-10
The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to
that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts
the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their
condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their
Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish.
Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but
what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here
described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of
the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is
the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some
work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their
souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn
the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.
@Verses 11-12
Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must
use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give
God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those
who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in
Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which
they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they
suddenly fall into destruction.
@Verses 13-18
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he
could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be
against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of
wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How
forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often
content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good,
or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good
they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the
good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner
destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys
much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways.
See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if
one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
To preserve a character for wisdom. (1-3) Respecting subjects
and rulers. (4-10) Of foolish talk. (11-15) Duties of rulers and
subjects. (16-20)
@Verses 1-3
Those especially who make a profession of religion, should
keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great
advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has
anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they
go, and shows their folly.
@Verses 4-10
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a
hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a
passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find
that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred
according to their merit. And those are often most forward to
offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the
consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the
body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care
one for another.
@Verses 11-15
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by
music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We
must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled,
or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon
himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future
events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly
multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not
understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a
great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly
city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men
shall not err,
@isaiah 25:8
. But sinful folly makes men miss that
only way to happiness.
@Verses 16-20
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its
rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are
childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill
consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of
itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the
occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may
generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed,
so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and
gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret;
and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and
unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and
whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from
every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of
kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever
open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your
curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you,
will sink you to the lowest hell.
Exhortation to liberality. (1-6) An admonition to prepare for
death, and to young persons to be religious. (7-10)
@Verses 1-6
Solomon presses the rich to do good to others. Give freely,
though it may seem thrown away and lost. Give to many. Excuse
not thyself with the good thou hast done, from the good thou
hast further to do. It is not lost, but well laid out. We have
reason to expect evil, for we are born to trouble; it is wisdom
to do good in the day of prosperity. Riches cannot profit us, if
we do not benefit others. Every man must labour to be a blessing
to that place where the providence of God casts him. Wherever we
are, we may find good work to do, if we have but hearts to do
it. If we magnify every little difficulty, start objections, and
fancy hardships, we shall never go on, much less go through with
our work. Winds and clouds of tribulation are, in God's hands,
designed to try us. God's work shall agree with his word,
whether we see it or not. And we may well trust God to provide
for us, without our anxious, disquieting cares. Be not weary in
well-doing, for in due season, in God's time, you shall reap,
@galatians 6:9
.
@Verses 7-10
Life is sweet to bad men, because they have their portion
in this life; it is sweet to good men, because it is the time of
preparation for a better; it is sweet to all. Here is a caution
to think of death, even when life is most sweet. Solomon makes
an effecting address to young persons. They would desire
opportunity to pursue every pleasure. Then follow your desires,
but be assured that God will call you into judgment. How many
give loose to every appetite, and rush into every vicious
pleasure! But God registers every one of their sinful thoughts
and desires, their idle words and wicked words. If they would
avoid remorse and terror, if they would have hope and comfort on
a dying bed, if they would escape misery here and hereafter, let
them remember the vanity of youthful pleasures. That Solomon
means to condemn the pleasures of sin is evident. His object is
to draw the young to purer and more lasting joys. This is not
the language of one grudging youthful pleasures, because he can
no longer partake of them; but of one who has, by a miracle of
mercy, been brought back in safety. He would persuade the young
from trying a course whence so few return. If the young would
live a life of true happiness, if they would secure happiness
hereafter, let them remember their Creator in the days of their
youth.
A description of the infirmities of age. (1-7) All is vanity:
also a warning of the judgment to come. (8-14)
@Verses 1-7
We should remember our sins against our Creator, repent,
and seek forgiveness. We should remember our duties, and set
about them, looking to him for grace and strength. This should
be done early, while the body is strong, and the spirits active.
When a man has the pain of reviewing a misspent life, his not
having given up sin and worldly vanities till he is forced to
say, I have no pleasure in them, renders his sincerity very
questionable. Then follows a figurative description of old age
and its infirmities, which has some difficulties; but the
meaning is plain, to show how uncomfortable, generally, the days
of old age are. As the four verses,
@2-5
, are a figurative
description of the infirmities that usually accompany old age,
ver.
@6
notices the circumstances which take place in the hour
of death. If sin had not entered into the world, these
infirmities would not have been known. Surely then the aged
should reflect on the evil of sin.
@Verses 8-14
Solomon repeats his text, VANITY OF VANITIES, ALL IS
VANITY. These are the words of one that could speak by
dear-bought experience of the vanity of the world, which can do
nothing to ease men of the burden of sin. As he considered the
worth of souls, he gave good heed to what he spake and wrote;
words of truth will always be acceptable words. The truths of
God are as goads to such as are dull and draw back, and nails to
such as are wandering and draw aside; means to establish the
heart, that we may never sit loose to our duty, nor be taken
from it. The Shepherd of Israel is the Giver of inspired wisdom.
Teachers and guides all receive their communications from him.
The title is applied in Scripture to the Lord Jesus Christ, the
Son of God. The prophets sought diligently, what, or what manner
of time, the Spirit of Christ in them did signify, when it
testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory
that should follow. To write many books was not suited to the
shortness of human life, and would be weariness to the writer,
and to the reader; and then was much more so to both than it is
now. All things would be vanity and vexation, except they led to
this conclusion, That to fear God, and keep his commandments, is
the whole of man. The fear of God includes in it all the
affections of the soul towards him, which are produced by the
Holy Spirit. There may be terror where there is no love, nay,
where there is hatred. But this is different from the gracious
fear of God, as the feelings of an affectionate child. The fear
of God, is often put for the whole of true religion in the
heart, and includes its practical results in the life. Let us
attend to the one thing needful, and now come to him as a
merciful Saviour, who will soon come as an almighty Judge, when
he will bring to light the things of darkness, and manifest the
counsels of all hearts. Why does God record in his word, that
ALL IS VANITY, but to keep us from deceiving ourselves to our
ruin? He makes our duty to be our interest. May it be graven in
all our hearts. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is
all that concerns man.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
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