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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

Here is an admonition both to old people and to young people, to think of dying, and get ready for it. Having by many excellent precepts taught us how to live well, the preacher comes now, towards the close of his discourse, to teach us how to die well and to put us in mind of our latter end. I. He applies himself to the aged, writes to them as fathers, to awaken them to think of death, Eccl. 11:7, 8. Here is, 1. A rational concession of the sweetness of life, which old people find by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Truly the light is sweet ,.... Here begins a new subject, as most think; and some here begin the twelfth and last chapter, and not improperly. This is true of natural light, which is exceeding pleasant, useful, and beneficial; by which men discern objects, behold the things of nature with pleasure, walk in the way without stumbling, and do the work and business of life: and also of civil light or prosperity; for, as afflictions are expressed by darkness, and adversity by night; so the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Truly the light is sweet - Life is dear to every man as the light of the sun is to the eye. A man would give all that he has for his life, and it is particularly dear to him when he is in ease and affluence: but let each remember that, read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Truly the light is sweet . The verse begins with the copula vav, "and," which here notes merely transition, as Ecclesiastes 3:16 ; Ecclesiastes 12:9 . Do not be perplexed, or despondent, or paralyzed in your work, by the difficulties that meet you. Confront them with a cheerful mien, and enjoy life while it lasts. "The light" may be taken literally, or as equivalent to life. The very light, with all that it unfolds, all that it beautifies, all that it quickens, is a pleasure; life is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7-9

Section 17. The second remedy for the perplexities of the present life is cheerfulness— the spirit that enjoys the present, with a chastened regard to the future. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

The preceding exhortation to a life of labor in the sight of God is now addressed especially to the active and the young; and is enforced by another consideration, namely, the transitory character of all that sustains youth.Ecclesiastes 11:7The light ... the sun - Gifts of God which cheer man’s toil, but which he almost ceases to appreciate in his old age.Ecclesiastes 11:8Days of darkness - The time of old age, and perhaps any time of sorrow or misfortune. Compare Ecclesiastes 12:2.All that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 11:7-8

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8. Truly, the light is sweet It cannot be denied, that this present life is in itself a great blessing, and desirable; but it is not perpetual nor satisfactory: for, if a man live many years Which is a privilege granted but to few persons comparatively; and rejoice in them all Enjoy all the comforts, and escape all the imbitterness of human life all his days; yet let him remember the days of darkness Of death, or the state of the dead, often expressed by darkness, as... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:1-8

11:1-12:14 HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LIFEBoldness in spite of uncertainty (11:1-8)It is typical of the writer that he encourages a positive attitude to life. True, life may be uncertain, but that is no reason to refuse to act positively. Regardless of what people decide to do, they must work at it boldly in spite of the risks, expecting results in due time. However, they should not put all their goods or money into one project. Then, if they meet misfortune in one place, the rest of the... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7

THE SECOND REMEDY"Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold the sun. Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment."Deane... read more

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