This the wise man had observed, in a variety of instances; and he considered the end of God in it, which was for men to be exercised in it , or “by it”; or “to afflict” or “humble [them] by it” f85 ; to let them see that all their toil and labour signified little; all depended on a divine blessing, and no happiness was to be had in the creatures; all was vanity and vexation of spirit; (see Gill on “ Ecclesiastes 1:13”).

Matthew Henry Commentary

Eccl. 3:1-10 To expect unchanging happiness in a changing world, mus end in disappointment. To bring ourselves to our state in life, is ou duty and wisdom in this world. God's whole plan for the government of the world will be found altogether wise, just, and good. Then let u seize the favourable opportunity for every good purpose and work. The time to die is fast approaching. Thus labour and sorrow fill the world This is given us, that we may always have something to do; none wer sent into the world to be idle.

Eccl. 3:11-15 Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us We have the world so much in our hearts, are so taken up with thought and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time nor spirit to see God's hand in them. The world has not only gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against the beauty of God's works. We mistake if we think we were born for ourselves; no, it is our busines to do good in this life, which is short and uncertain; we have but little time to be doing good, therefore we should redeem time Satisfaction with Divine Providence, is having faith that all thing work together for good to them that love him. God doeth all, that me should fear before him. The world, as it has been, is, and will be There has no change befallen us, nor has any temptation by it taken us but such as is common to men.

Eccl. 3:16-22 Without the fear of the Lord, man is but vanity; set tha aside, and judges will not use their power well. And there is anothe Judge that stands before the door. With God there is a time for the redressing of grievances, though as yet we see it not. Solomon seems to express his wish that men might perceive, that by choosing this worl as their portion, they brought themselves to a level with the beasts without being free, as they are, from present vexations and a futur account. Both return to the dust from whence they were taken. What little reason have we to be proud of our bodies, or bodil accomplishments! But as none can fully comprehend, so few conside properly, the difference between the rational soul of man, and the spirit or life of the beast. The spirit of man goes upward, to be judged, and is then fixed in an unchangeable state of happiness of misery. It is as certain that the spirit of the beast goes downward to the earth; it perishes at death. Surely their case is lamentable, the height of whose hopes and wishes is, that they may die like beasts. Le our inquiry be, how an eternity of existence may be to us an eternit of enjoyment? To answer this, is the grand design of revelation. Jesu is revealed as the Son of God, and the Hope of sinners __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew