Bible Commentary

[It is] good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 18. It is good ] The sentence is somewhat enigmatic, and its meaning depends on the reference given to the two pronouns. Commonly, the first “this” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:18”

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 17. Be not over much wicked ] There seems something like a paradox in the counsel. Surely, we think, the teacher is carrying his doctrine of the mean too far when he gives a precept, which, by forbidding excess, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:17”

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 16. Be not righteous over much ] Here again we have a distinct reproduction of one of the current maxims of Greek thought, ( Ne quid nimis Nothing in excess) of Theognis 402, and of Chilon (Diog. Laert. i. 1, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:16”

All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness. 15. there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness ] The writer looks back on what he calls “the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:15”

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. 14. In the day of prosperity be joyful ] Literally, In the day of good, be in good, i.e. use it … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:14”

Consider the work of God: for who can make [that] straight, which he hath made crooked? 13. who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked ] The sequence of thought is as follows. To “consider the work of God” intelligently is one application of the wisdom which has been praised in Ecc 7:11-12. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:13”

For wisdom [is] a defense, [and] money [is] a defense: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it. 12. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence ] Better, as a shadow, or, as a shelter, in both clauses. The Hebrew, as the italics shew, has … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:12”

Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun. 11. Wisdom is good with an inheritance ] The words fall on our ears with something like a ring of cynicism, as though the teacher said with a sneer, “wisdom is all very well if you have … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:11”

Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. 10. What is the cause that the former days were better than these ] It would be a mistake to treat this as describing merely the temper of one who is a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:10”

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry ] From sins of speech in general, the teacher passes on to that which is the source from which they most often flow. Anger, alike from the Stoic … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:9”