John Wesley · 1596 of 2131
Commentary on Chapter IX
1. Their works - All events which befall them are governed by his , and therefore although we cannot fully understand the reasons of all, yet we may be assured they are done righteously. No man - No man can judge by their present outward condition, whether God loves or hates them; for whom he loves he chastens, and permits those whom he hates to prosper in the world.
2. All things - The good and evil things of the world equally happen to good and bad men.
3. An evil - A great trouble to a good man. Is full - Of wickedness. Madness - They go on madly and desperately in evil courses. They go - After all, they die in the same manner as the best men do.
4. Joined - That continues with living men. Hope - He hath not only some comfort for the present, but also hopes of further happiness in this world. Better - Much happier as to the comforts of this world.
5. Die - Whereby they are taught to improve life. Any thing - Of the actions and events of this world. Reward - The fruit of their labours in this world, are utterly lost as to them. Forgotten - Even in those places where they had lived in great power and glory.
6. Also - They neither love, nor hate, nor envy any thing in this world, but are unconcerned in what is done under the sun.
7. Go - Make this use of what I have said. Eat - Chearfully and thankfully enjoy thy comforts. Accepteth - Allows thee a comfortable enjoyment of his blessings.
8. White - The eastern people of the best sort, used white garments, especially in times of rejoicing. Ointment - Which upon joyful occasions was poured upon mens heads.
9. - Of this vain and frail life.
10. Whatsoever - Whatever thou hast opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. For - Thou canst neither design nor act any thing there tending to thy own comfort or advantage.
11. But time - There are times or seasons, casual to men, but known by God, in which alone he will give men success.
12. His time - The time of his death, or other distress which God is bringing upon him. Are taken - While they are sporting and feeding themselves. When - When they are most careless and secure.
13. This wisdom - I have observed this among many other instances of wisdom. Which he adds for the commendation of wisdom, notwithstanding its insufficiency for man's happiness without God's blessing.
15. Yet - He was soon neglected and his great service forgotten.
17. Of wise men - Though poor. In quiet - Uttered with a modest and low voice. The cry - The clamourous discourses of a rich and potent, but foolish man.
