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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

Here is an admonition both to old people and to young people, to think of dying, and get ready for it. Having by many excellent precepts taught us how to live well, the preacher comes now, towards the close of his discourse, to teach us how to die well and to put us in mind of our latter end. I. He applies himself to the aged, writes to them as fathers, to awaken them to think of death, Eccl. 11:7, 8. Here is, 1. A rational concession of the sweetness of life, which old people find by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Truly the light is sweet ,.... Here begins a new subject, as most think; and some here begin the twelfth and last chapter, and not improperly. This is true of natural light, which is exceeding pleasant, useful, and beneficial; by which men discern objects, behold the things of nature with pleasure, walk in the way without stumbling, and do the work and business of life: and also of civil light or prosperity; for, as afflictions are expressed by darkness, and adversity by night; so the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:8

But if a man live many years ,.... Enjoying light and life, and beholding the sun with much delight and pleasure. The days of men on earth, or under the sun, are but few at most; but some live many days, in comparison of others; they come to a good old age, as Abraham did; and to their graves like a shock of corn fully ripe; and arrive to, or beyond, the common term of human life; and rejoice in them all ; in and throughout the many years he lives, even all his days; that is, is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth ,.... This advice may be considered as serious; and either as relating to natural, corporeal, and temporal delight and pleasure, under due limitations; that as mirth and cheerfulness, or a free use of the creatures of God, with moderation and temperance, is allowable to all men in common, and is spoken of throughout this book as commendable, and is healthful and profitable to men; so it is particularly suitable to the youthful age, whose natural desires may... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:10

Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart ,.... Worldly sorrow, as opposed to lawful mirth and cheerfulness, and especially to spiritual joy: or "anger" F26 כעס "iram", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus; "indignationem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus; "God's anger", Broughton. , as the word may be rendered, and often is; either at the providence of God, or at the correction of friends; all perturbations of the mind; all fierceness of spirit, and fiery passions, to which youthful... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Truly the light is sweet - Life is dear to every man as the light of the sun is to the eye. A man would give all that he has for his life, and it is particularly dear to him when he is in ease and affluence: but let each remember that, read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:8

If a man live many years - And even have prosperity through the whole; yet the days of darkness - times of affliction, weakness, and perhaps old age, will be many. If he die not a violent death, which no man can wish, he will die a lingering death; and this is ordinarily attended with many pains, and many sorrows; therefore let him prepare to meet his God; and to carry this thought through life, that all must terminate in death. The writer of Ecclesiasticus, 7:36, has a good saying, similar... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth - Youth is devoid of cares; and, consequently, of many perplexities and distresses. Were it not so, we should have no old men; nay, perhaps not one even of middle ape. It is in the order of a most gracious God, that the young should rejoice in their youth; but they should make such a moderate use of all their enjoyments, that they may not be confounded in the day of judgment. But, O young man, if thou wilt follow the propensities of thy own heart, the noisy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:10

Therefore remove sorrow - כעס caas , anger; every kind of violent passion, all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. "Childhood and youth are vanity;" they pass away and come to nothing. Eternity alone is permanent; live for eternity. read more

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