he 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.
he changes of human affairs. (1-10) The Divine counsels
unchangeable. (11-15) The vanity of worldly power. (16-22)