ood 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.
Verse 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.
ood 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)