Reference: Ecclesiastes
American
The preacher, the name of a book of the Old Testament, usually ascribed to Solomon. Compare 1Ki 3:12 and Ec 1:16; 1Ki 10:21,27 and Ec 2:4-9; 1Ki 11:3-4 and 25/type/isv'>Ex 7:25,25. It appears to have been written by Solomon in his old age, when freed from the entanglements of idolatry, luxury, and lust, B. C. 977. It is a discourse upon the true wisdom; with many isolated precepts, illustrated from his own unexampled experience and from the most sagacious observation of the course of life; the whole demonstrating the vanity of all earthly good, and showing that there is a better life to come, and that the only true wisdom is to "fear God and keep his commandments." This, he says, is the conclusion of the whole matter, Ec 12:13. In reading this book, care should be taken not to deduce opinions from detached sentiments, but from the general scope and combined force of the whole.
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"Because you asked for this, and you didn't ask for a long life for yourself, and you didn't ask for the lives of your enemies, but instead you've asked for discernment so you can understand how to govern, look how I'm going to do precisely what you asked. I'm giving you a wise and discerning mind, so that there will have been no one like you before you and no one will arise after you like you.
I told myself, "I have become greater and wiser than anyone who ruled before me in Jerusalem yes, I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and knowledge."
With respect to my extravagant works, I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself. I constructed gardens and orchards for myself, and within them I planted all kinds of fruit trees. read more. I built for myself water reservoirs to irrigate forests that produce trees. I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man all sorts of mistresses. So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise.
Let the conclusion of all of these thoughts be heard: Fear God and obey his commandments, for this is what it means to be human.
Easton
the Greek rendering of the Hebrew Koheleth, which means "Preacher." The old and traditional view of the authorship of this book attributes it to Solomon. This view can be satisfactorily maintained, though others date it from the Captivity. The writer represents himself implicitly as Solomon (Ec 1:12). It has been appropriately styled The Confession of King Solomon. "The writer is a man who has sinned in giving way to selfishness and sensuality, who has paid the penalty of that sin in satiety and weariness of life, but who has through all this been under the discipline of a divine education, and has learned from it the lesson which God meant to teach him." "The writer concludes by pointing out that the secret of a true life is that a man should consecrate the vigour of his youth to God." The key-note of the book is sounded in Ec 1:2,
Vanity of vanities! saith the Preacher, Vanity of vanities! all is vanity!
i.e., all man's efforts to find happiness apart from God are without result.
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Hastings
ECCLESIASTES
1. Title and Canonicity.
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A generation goes, a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, the sun sets, then rushes back to where it arose. read more. The wind blows southward, then northward, constantly circulating, and the wind comes back again in its courses. All the rivers flow toward the sea, but the sea is never full; then rivers return to the headwaters where they began. Everything is wearisome, more than man is able to express. The eye is never satisfied by seeing, nor the ear by hearing. Whatever has happened, will happen again; whatever has been done, will be done again. There is nothing new on earth. Does anything exist about which someone might say, "Look at this! Is this new?" It happened ages ago; it existed before we did. No one remembers those in the past, nor will they be remembered by those who come after them. I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
I told myself, "I will test you with pleasure, so enjoy yourself." But this was pointless. "Senseless," said I concerning laughter and pleasure, "How practical is this?" read more. I decided to indulge in wine, while still remaining committed to wisdom. I also tried to indulge in foolishness, just enough to determine whether it was good for human beings under heaven given the short time of their lives. With respect to my extravagant works, I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.
With respect to my extravagant works, I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself. I constructed gardens and orchards for myself, and within them I planted all kinds of fruit trees.
I constructed gardens and orchards for myself, and within them I planted all kinds of fruit trees. I built for myself water reservoirs to irrigate forests that produce trees.
I built for myself water reservoirs to irrigate forests that produce trees. I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem.
I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man all sorts of mistresses.
I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man all sorts of mistresses. So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise.
So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise. Whenever I wanted something I had seen, I never refused that desire. Instead, I enjoyed everything I did, and this became the reward in what I had undertaken. read more. Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.
Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.
Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth. Next I turned to examine wisdom, insanity, and foolishness, because what can a person do who succeeds the king except what has already been accomplished?
The only worthwhile thing for a human being is to eat, drink, and enjoy life's goodness that he finds in what he accomplishes. This, I observed, is also from the hand of God himself,
After all, to the person who is good in God's sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner he gives the troublesome task of acquiring and accumulating in order to leave it to someone who is good in the sight of God. This also is pointless and chasing after the wind.
There is a season for everything, and a time for every event under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted; read more. a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to search, and a time to give up searching; a time to keep, and a time to discard; a time to tear, and a time to mend; a time to be silent, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What benefit does the worker gain from what he undertakes?
He made everything appropriate in its time. He also placed eternity within them yet, no person can fully comprehend what God is doing from beginning to end. I have concluded that the only worthwhile thing for them is to take pleasure in doing good in life;
I have concluded that everything that God undertakes will last for eternity nothing can be added to it nor taken away from it and that God acts this way so that people will fear him.
I have concluded that everything that God undertakes will last for eternity nothing can be added to it nor taken away from it and that God acts this way so that people will fear him. That which was, now is; and that which will be, already is; and God examines what has already taken place. read more. I also examined on earth: where the halls of justice were supposed to be, there was lawlessness; and where the righteous were supposed to be, there was lawlessness. 17I told myself, "God will judge both the righteous and the wicked, because there is a time set to judge every event and every work."
"As for human beings," I told myself, "God puts them to the test, that they might see themselves as mere animals."
I concluded that it is worthwhile for people to find joy in their accomplishments, because that is their inheritance, since who can see what will exist after them?
Next I turned to consider all kinds of oppression that exists on earth. Look at the tears of the oppressed there is no one to comfort them. Power is on the side of their oppressors; so they have no comforters.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If they stumble, the first will lift up his friend but woe to anyone who is alone when he falls and there is no one to help him get up. read more. Again, if two lie close together, they will keep warm, but how can only one stay warm? If someone attacks one of them, the two of them together will resist. Furthermore, the tri-braided cord is not soon broken. A poor but wise youth is better than an old but foolish king who will no longer accept correction. The former can come out of prison to reign, while the latter, even if born to kingship, may become poor. I observed everyone who lives and walks on earth, along with the youth who will take the king's place. There was no end to all of his subjects or to all of the people who had come before them. But those who come along afterward will not be happy with him. This is also pointless and a chasing after wind.
Watch your step whenever you visit God's house, and come more ready to listen than to offer a fool's sacrifice, since fools never think they're doing evil.
Watch your step whenever you visit God's house, and come more ready to listen than to offer a fool's sacrifice, since fools never think they're doing evil. Don't be impulsive with your mouth nor be in a hurry to talk in God's presence. Since God is in heaven and you're on earth, keep your speech short.
Don't be impulsive with your mouth nor be in a hurry to talk in God's presence. Since God is in heaven and you're on earth, keep your speech short. Too many worries lead to nightmares, and a fool is known from talking too much.
Too many worries lead to nightmares, and a fool is known from talking too much. When you make a promise to God, don't fail to keep it, since he isn't pleased with fools. Keep what you promise
When you make a promise to God, don't fail to keep it, since he isn't pleased with fools. Keep what you promise it's better that you don't promise than that you do promise and not follow through.
it's better that you don't promise than that you do promise and not follow through. Never let your mouth cause you to sin and don't proclaim in the presence of the angel, "My promise was a mistake," for why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy what you've undertaken?
Never let your mouth cause you to sin and don't proclaim in the presence of the angel, "My promise was a mistake," for why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy what you've undertaken? In spite of many daydreams, pointless actions, and empty words, it is more important to fear God.
In spite of many daydreams, pointless actions, and empty words, it is more important to fear God.
In spite of many daydreams, pointless actions, and empty words, it is more important to fear God.
Furthermore, all his days he lives in darkness with great sorrow, anger, and affliction. Look! I observed that it is good and prudent to eat, drink, and enjoy all that is good of a person's work that he does on earth during the limited days of his life, which God gives him, for this is his allotment. read more. Furthermore, for every person to whom God has given wealth, riches, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept this allotment, and to rejoice in his work this is a gift from God.
Furthermore, for every person to whom God has given wealth, riches, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept this allotment, and to rejoice in his work this is a gift from God.
Every person works for his own self-interests, but his desires remain unsatisfied.
It is better to focus on what you can see than to meander after your self-interest; this also is pointless and a chasing after wind. Whatever exists has been named already; people know what it means to be human and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he.
A good name exceeds the value of fine perfume, and the day of someone's death exceeds the value of the day of his birth.
For the wise person thinks carefully when in mourning, but fools focus their thoughts on pleasure. It is better to listen to a wise person's rebuke than to listen to the praise of fools. read more. For as thorns burn to heat a pot, so also is the laughter of the fool even this is pointless. Unjust gain makes the wise foolish, and a bribe corrupts the heart. The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one. Never be in a hurry to become internally angry, since anger settles down in the lap of fools. Never ask "Why does the past seem so much better than now?" because this question does not come from wisdom. Wise use of possessions is good; it brings benefit to the living. Indeed, wisdom gives protection, just like money does, but it's better to know that wisdom gives life, to those who have mastered it. Consider the work of God: Who is able to straighten what he has bent? When times are good, be joyful; when times are bad, consider this: God made the one as well as the other, so people won't seek anything outside of his best.
It is good for you to grab hold of this and not let go, because whoever fears God will escape all of these extremes. Wisdom given as strength to a wise person is better than having ten powerful men in the city.
I discovered for myself a bitterness that surpasses that of death: the woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, whose hands are chains of bondage. Whoever pleases God will escape from her, but the transgressor will be trapped by her.
I discovered for myself a bitterness that surpasses that of death: the woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, whose hands are chains of bondage. Whoever pleases God will escape from her, but the transgressor will be trapped by her. "Look at this," says the Teacher. "Linking one thing to another, I reached this conclusion: read more. Among the things I seek but have not found: one man among a thousand I did find, but I have not found one woman to be wise among all these. I have discovered only this: God made human beings for righteousness, but they seek many alternatives."
Who is really wise? Who knows how to interpret this saying: "A person's wisdom improves his appearance, softening a harsh countenance." I advise doing what the king says, especially regarding an oath to God.
I advise doing what the king says, especially regarding an oath to God. Don't be in a hurry to leave him, and don't persist in evil, for he does whatever he pleases. read more. Since a king's command is powerful, who is able to challenge him, asking, "What are you doing?" Whoever obeys his commands will not experience harm, and the wise in heart will discern both the appropriate time and response. Indeed, there is an appropriate time and a response for every circumstance, since human misery weighs heavily upon him.
So I watched the wicked being entombed. They used to come in and out of the Holy Place, but now they are forgotten in the city, where they used to work. This, too, is pointless.
So I watched the wicked being entombed. They used to come in and out of the Holy Place, but now they are forgotten in the city, where they used to work. This, too, is pointless. Whenever a sentence for a crime is not carried out swiftly, the human mind becomes determined to commit evil. read more. Even though a sinner does what is wrong a hundred times and still survives, nevertheless I also know that things will go well for those who fear God, who fear in his presence. But things will not go well for the wicked person: he will not lengthen his life like a shadow, since he has no fear before God.
So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth.
I saw all of it as the activity of God. Frankly, a human being cannot understand what happens on earth, because however hard a man works to discover it, he will not find out. Despite what he thinks he knows, he will not be able to figure it out.
Go ahead and enjoy your meals as you eat. Drink your wine with a joyful attitude, because God already has approved your actions. Always keep your garments white, and don't fail to anoint your head. read more. Find joy in living with your wife whom you love every day of your pointless life that God gave you on earth, because this is your life assignment and your work to do on earth. Whatever the activity in which you engage, do it with all your ability, because there is no work, no planning, no learning, and no wisdom in the next world where you're going.
I also observed this example of wisdom on earth, and it seemed important to me: There was a little city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built massive siege ramps against it. read more. Now there was found within it a poor, but wise man. He delivered the city by his wisdom, but not one person remembered that poor man.
The softly spoken words of the wise are to be heard rather than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
As dead flies cause the perfumer's ointment to stink, so also does a little foolishness to one's reputation of wisdom and honor. A wise man's heart tends toward his right, but a fool's heart tends toward his left. read more. Furthermore, the way a fool lives shows he has no sense; he proclaims to everyone that he's a fool. If your overseer gets angry at you, don't resign, because calmness pacifies great offenses. Here's another tragedy that I've observed on earth, a kind of error that comes from an overseer: Foolishness is given great honor, while the prosperous sit in lowly places. And I have observed servants riding on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants. Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall may suffer a snake bite. Someone who quarries stone might be injured; someone splitting logs can fall into danger. If someone's ax is blunt the edge isn't sharpened then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success. If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer. The words spoken by the wise are gracious, but the lips of a fool will devour him. He begins his speech with foolishness, and concludes it with evil madness. The fool overflows with words, and no one can predict what will happen. As to what will happen after him, who can explain it? The work of a fool so wears him out that he can't even find his way to town. Woe to the land whose king is a youth and whose princes feast in the morning.
Through slothfulness the roof deteriorates, and a house leaks because of idleness.
Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts. Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom. For a bird will fly by and tell what you say, or something with wings may talk about it.
Just as you do not understand the way of the spirit in the womb of a pregnant mother, so also you do not know what God is doing in everything he makes.
So enjoy yourself in your youth, young man, and be encouraged during your younger days. Live as you like, consistent with your world view, but keep in mind that God will bring you to account for everything.
So remember your Creator during your youth! Otherwise, troublesome days will come and years will creep up on you when you'll say, "I find no pleasure in them,"
So remember your Creator during your youth! Otherwise, troublesome days will come and years will creep up on you when you'll say, "I find no pleasure in them," Otherwise, when the sun, daylight, moon, or stars turn dark, or when clouds fail to return after the rain read more. when that day comes, the palace guards will tremble, strong men will stoop down, women grinders will cease because they are few, and the sight of those who peer through the lattice will grow dim. The doors to the street will be shut when the sound of grinding decreases, when one wakes up at the song of a bird, and all of the singing women are silenced. At that time they will fear climbing heights and dangers along the road while the almond tree will blossom, and the grasshopper is weighed down. Desire will cease, because the person goes to his eternal home, and mourners will gather in the marketplace. When the silver cord is severed, the golden vessel is broken, the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, and the wheel is broken at the cistern, then man's dust will go back to the earth, returning to what it was, and the spirit will return to the God who gave it.
Sayings from the wise are like cattle prods and well fastened nails; this masterful collection was given by one shepherd.
Sayings from the wise are like cattle prods and well fastened nails; this masterful collection was given by one shepherd. So learn from them, my son. There is no end to the crafting of many books, and too much study wearies the body. read more. Let the conclusion of all of these thoughts be heard: Fear God and obey his commandments, for this is what it means to be human.
Let the conclusion of all of these thoughts be heard: Fear God and obey his commandments, for this is what it means to be human. For God will judge every deed, along with every secret, whether good or evil.
Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? God has turned the wisdom of the world into nonsense, hasn't he?
Smith
Ecclesias'tes
(the preacher). The title of this book is in Hebrew Koheleth, signifying one who speaks publicly in an assembly. Koheleth is the name by which Solomon, probably the author, speaks of himself throughout the book. The book is that which it professes to be, --the confession of a man of wide experience looking back upon his past life and looking out upon the disorders and calamities which surround him. The writer is a man who has sinned in giving way to selfishness and sensuality, who has paid the penalty of that sin in satiety and weariness of life, but who has through all this been under the discipline of a divine education, and has learned from it the lesson which God meant to teach him.
Watsons
ECCLESIASTES, a canonical book of the Old Testament, of which Solomon was the author, as appears from the first sentence. The design of this book is to show the vanity of all sublunary things; and from a review of the whole, the author draws this pertinent conclusion, "Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of man;"