TEXT: BIB   |   AUDIO: MISLR - MISC - DAVIS   |   VIDEO: BIB - COMM

HELPS: KJS - KJV - ASV - DBY - DOU - WBS - YLT - HEB - BBE - WEB - NAS - SEV - TSK - CRK - WES - MHC - GILL - JFB

ישׁ3426 רעה7451 ראיתי7200 תחת8478 השׁמשׁ8121 כשׁגגה7684 שׁיצא3318 מלפני6440 השׁליט׃7989

Ec 4:7; 5:13; 6:1; 9:3

Verse 5. An error which proceedeth from the ruler - What this error in the ruler is, the two following verses point out: it is simpiy this-an injudicious distribution of offices, and raising people to places of trust and confidence, who are destitute of merit, are neither of name nor family to excite public confidence, and are without property; so that they have no stake in the country, and their only solicitude must naturally be to enrich themselves, and provide for their poor relatives. This is frequent in the governments of the world; and favouritism has often brought prosperous nations to the brink of ruin. Folly was set in dignity; the man of property, sense, and name, in a low place. Servants-menial men, rode upon horses-carried every thing with a high and proud hand; and princes, - the nobles of the people, were obliged to walk by their sides, and often from the state of things to become in effect their servants. This was often the case in this country, during the reign of Thomas a Becket, and Cardinal Woolsey. These insolent men lorded it over the whole nation; and the people and their gentry were raised or depressed according as their pride and caprice willed. And, through this kind of errors, not only a few sovereigns have had most uncomfortable and troublesome reigns, but some have even lost their lives.

Ver. 5. There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun , etc.] Which Solomon had observed in the course of his life, practised in some kingdoms and by some princes on earth, under the sun; for there is nothing of the like kind, as after mentioned, done in heaven, above the sun; as an error [which] proceedeth from the ruler ; from the supreme ruler of a nation, the king of it; and it is not only as an error, or like one, a seeming one; but it is a real error, bestowing places of honour and profit on undeserving persons: which error proceeds from ignorance of the persons; or from affection to them, and from friendship cultivated with them in the younger time of life, being educated with them; or through the misrepresentation and imposition of those about him, who have ends to serve by their promotion; or through his own lusts and passions, which these men indulge him in. It may be understood of God, the supreme ruler, who suffers such things to be; and which may seem to some an error in providence, though it is not: but the other sense is best.

Eccl. 10:1-3 Those especially who make a profession of religion, shoul keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage ove 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.

Eccl. 10:4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in 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 yieldin pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are leas aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark i applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the member should have the same care one for another.

Eccl. 10:11-15 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 conside our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle word which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into 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 no err, Is. 25:8. But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.

Eccl. 10:16-20 The happiness of a land depends on the character of it rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, an lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to privat 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 no redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silve 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. I there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellio against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. Hi 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 _________________________________________________

ישׁ3426 רעה7451 ראיתי7200 תחת8478 השׁמשׁ8121 כשׁגגה7684 שׁיצא3318 מלפני6440 השׁליט׃7989