Matthew Henry Commentary Ecclesiastes 9
Matthew Henry Commentary
Ecclesiastes 9
Matthew Henry Commentary
Ecclesiastes 9
"For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it be love or hatred, man knoweth it not; all is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth and to him that sacrificeth not; as is the good, so is the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead." — Ecclesiastes 9:1-3 (ASV)
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God is useless simply because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may learn many things that are good for ourselves and useful to others.
But man cannot always decide who are the objects of God's special love, or who is under his wrath; and God will certainly make a distinction between the precious and the vile in the world to come. The difference regarding 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 even causes them to defy God through daring wickedness. Though in this life the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, after death there will be a vast difference between them.
"For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, is perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life of vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all thy days of vanity: for that is thy portion in life, and in thy labor wherein thou laborest under the sun. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest." — Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 (ASV)
The state of the most despicable living man 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 humblest morsel, coming from their Father's love in answer to prayer, will have a special relish. We are not to set our hearts on the delights of sense; rather, we are to use with wisdom what God has given us. The joy described here is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of divine favor.
This is the world of service; the world to come is the world of recompense. 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.
Ecclesiastes 9:11–12 Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must use means, but not trust in them: if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if thwarted, we must submit to His will. Those who postpone 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 continue in sin until they suddenly fall into destruction.
"I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me: There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man`s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good." — Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 (ASV)
A man may, by his wisdom, accomplish what he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us? Or who can stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, even though it may face 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 waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. Consider who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
Jump to: