ecclesiastes-7:15-24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:23

All this have I proved by wisdom ,.... Referring either to all that he had been discoursing of hitherto in this book, concerning the vanity of natural wisdom and knowledge, of pleasure, power, and riches; or to the several useful instructions given in this chapter, particularly concerning patiently bearing everything from the hands of God or men, Ecclesiastes 7:8 . This, by the help and use of that wisdom which God had given him, he had made trial of, and found it to be right, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:24

That which is far off ,.... Or, "far off is that which has been" F7 רחוק מה שהיה "remotum (est) illud quod fuit", Montanus, Mercerus, Vatablus, Drusius, Gejerus. . That which has been done by God already, in creation and providence, is out of the reach of men, is far from their understandings wholly to comprehend or account for; and likewise that which is past with men, what has been done in former ages, the history of past times, is very difficult to come at: or rather,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:15

There is a just man that perisheth - This is another objection as if he had said, "I also have had considerable experience; and I have not discovered any marked approbation of the conduct of the righteous, or disapprobation of that of the wicked. On the contrary, I have seen a righteous man perish, while employed in the work of righteousness; and a wicked man prosperous, and even exalted, while living wickedly. The former is indeed a victim to his righteousness, while the life and prosperity... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:16

Why shouldest thou destroy thyself? - תשומם tishshomem , make thyself desolate, so that thou shalt be obliged to stand alone; neither make thyself over-wise, תתחכם tithchaccam , do not pretend to abundance of wisdom. Why shouldest thou be so singular? In other words, and in modern language, "There is no need of all this watching, fasting, praying, self-denial, etc., you carry things to extremes. Why should you wish to be reputed singular and precise?" To this the man of God answers: read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:17

Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? - הרבה תרשע אל al tirsha harbeh . Do not multiply wickedness, do not add direct opposition to godliness to the rest of your crimes. Why should you provoke God to destroy you before your time? Perdition will come soon enough. If you will not turn from your sins, and avoid it finally, yet keep out of it as long as you can. It cannot be supposed, except by those who are totally unacquainted with the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:18

It is good that thou shouldest take hold or this - Do not let such an observation slip: take hold of this; do not forget that. Get what you can in an honest way; but do not forget to get true religion; for he that fears God will be saved from all evil. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise - One wise, thoroughly learned, and scientific man, may be of more use in fortifying and defending a city, than ten princes. Witness the case of Syracuse, when attacked by the Romans both by sea and land. Archimedes, by his engines, burnt and dashed their fleet to pieces, and destroyed all that came near the walls. And had not the city been betrayed and he killed, all their force and skill could not have taken it. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:20

There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not - יחטא לא lo yechta , that may not sin. There is not a man upon earth, however just he may be, and habituated to do good, but is peccable - liable to commit sin; and therefore should continually watch and pray, and depend upon the Lord. But the text does not say, the just man does commit sin, but simply that he may sin; and so our translators have rendered it in 1 Samuel 2:25 , twice in 1 Kings 8:31 , 1 Kings 8:46 ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken - This is good advice, and much for every man's peace through life. Thy servant curse thee - מקללך mekallelecha , make light of thee, speak evil of thee. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:22

Thou thyself - hast cursed others - קללת kalalta , thou hast spoken evil; hast vilified others. O, who is free from evil speaking, from uncharitable speaking; from detailing their neighbor's faults, from whispering, talebearing, and backbiting? Do not wonder if God, in his justice, permit thee to be calumniated, seeing thou hast so frequently calumniated others. See my discourse on Psalm 15:1-5 ; (note). read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:18

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:22

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