Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ecclesiastes Ch.10 / 12 Ch.s
EC:10
* To preserve a character for wisdom. (1-3) Respecting subjects
and rulers. (4-10) Of foolish talk. (11-15) Duties of rulers and
subjects. (16-20)
#1-3 Those especially who make a profession of religion, should
keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great
advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has
anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they
go, and shows their folly.
#4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a
hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a
passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find
that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred
according to their merit. And those are often most forward to
offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the
consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the
body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care
one for another.
#11-15 There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by
music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We
must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled,
or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon
himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future
events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly
multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not
understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a
great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly
city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men
shall not err, #Isa 25:8|. But sinful folly makes men miss that
only way to happiness.
#16-20 The happiness of a land depends on the character of its
rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are
childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill
consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of
itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the
occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may
generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed,
so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and
gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret;
and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and
unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and
whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from
every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of
kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever
open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your
curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you,
will sink you to the lowest hell.