Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ecclesiastes Ch.4 / 12 Ch.s
EC:4
* Miseries from oppression. (1-3) troubles from envy. (4-6) The
folly of covetousness. (7,8) The advantages of mutual
assistance. (9-12) the changes of royalty. (13-16)
#1-3 It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right.
Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and
misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and
to each other. Being thus hardly used, men are tempted to hate
and despise life. But a good man, though badly off while in this
world, cannot have cause to wish he had never been born, since
he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy
at last, for ever happy. Ungodly men have most cause to wish the
continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more
miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins. If
human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would
be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions here
below.
#4-6 Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to
well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and
whose efforts are crowned with success. They often become great
and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Others,
seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more
satisfaction in sloth and idleness. But idleness is a sin that
is its own punishment. Let us by honest industry lay hold on the
handful, that we may not want necessaries, but not grasp at both
hands full, which would only create vexation of spirit. Moderate
pains and gains do best.
#7,8 Frequently, the more men have, the more they would have;
and on this they are so intent, that they get no enjoyment from
what they have. Selfishness is the cause of this evil. A selfish
man cares for nobody; there is none to take care of but himself,
yet he will scarcely allow necessary rest to himself, and the
people he employs. He never thinks he has enough. He has enough
for his calling, for his family, but he has not enough for his
eyes. Many are so set upon the world, that in pursuit of it they
bereave themselves, not only of the favour of God and eternal
life, but of the pleasures of this life. The distant relations
or strangers who inherit such a man's wealth, never thank him.
Covetousness gathers strength by time and habit; men tottering
on the brink of the grave, grow more grasping and griping. Alas,
and how often do we see men professing to be followers of Him,
who, "though he was rich, for our sakes became poor," anxiously
scraping money together and holding it fast, excusing themselves
by common-place talking about the necessity of care, and the
danger of extravagance!
#9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard
to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In
all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the
union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or
friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they
converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his
praises. Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian
fellowship. In these things all is not vanity, though there will
be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are
closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his
Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.
#13-16 People are never long easy and satisfied; they are fond
of changes. This is no new thing. Princes see themselves
slighted by those they have studied to oblige; this is vanity
and vexation of spirit. But the willing servants of the Lord
Jesus, our King, rejoice in him alone, and they will love Him
more and more to all eternity.