Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:11-15

We have seen what changes there are in the world, and must not expect to find the world more sure to us than it has been to others. Now here Solomon shows the hand of God in all those changes; it is he that has made every creature to be that to us which it is, and therefore we must have our eye always upon him. I. We must make the best of that which is, and must believe it best for the present, and accommodate ourselves to it: He has made every thing beautiful in his time (Eccl. 3:11), and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that there is no good in them ,.... In these things; as the Arabic version; in the creatures, as Jarchi; in all sublunary enjoyments; in everything the wise man had made a trial of before, as natural Wisdom and knowledge, worldly pleasure, riches, and wealth; the "summun bonum", or happiness of men, did not lie in these things; this he knew by experience, and had the strongest assurance of it: or in them, that is, the children of men, as the Targum: there is no real good thing in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink ,.... Not to excess, but in moderation; and yet freely, plentifully, and cheerfully; and not alone, but giving the poor a portion with him; and in all having in view the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31 ; and enjoy the good of all his labour ; take the comfort of what he has been labouring for, and not lay it up for, and leave it to, he knows not who: the Targum is, "and see good in his days, and cause his children, at the time of his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that there is no good in them, but, etc. - Since God has so disposed the affairs of this world, that the great events of providence cannot be accelerated or retarded by human cares and anxieties, submit to God; make a proper use of what he has given: do thyself no harm, and endeavor as much as possible to do others good. Enjoy, and bless thyself; let others share The transient blessing: 'tis the gift of God. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

Section 4. In confirmation of the truth that man's happiness depends upon the will of God, Koheleth proceeds to show how Providence arranges even the minutest concerns; that man can alter nothing, must make the best of things as they are, bear with anomalies, bounding his desires by this present life. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:10-15

There is a plan and system in all the circumstances of man's life; he feels this instinctively, but he cannot comprehend it. His duty is to make the best of the present, and to recognize the immutability of the law that governs all things. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice; rather, I knew , perceived , that there was no good for them ; i . e . for men. From the facts adduced, Koheleth learned this practical result—that man had nothing in his own power (see on Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) which would conduce to his happiness, but to make the best of life such as he finds it. Vulgate, Cognovi quod non esset melius nisi laetari . To do good in his life ; τοῦ ποιεῖν ἀγαθόν ;; Facere... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink... it is the gift of God. This enforces and intensifies the statement in the preceding verse; not only the power to "do good," but even to enjoy what comes in his way (see on Ecclesiastes 2:24 ), man must receive from God. When we pray for our daily bread, we also ask for ability to take, assimilate, and profit by the supports and comforts afforded to us. "It" is better omitted, as "is the gift of God" forms the predicate of the sentence. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 3:12

In them - i. e., in the sons of men.To do good - In a moral sense. Physical enjoyment is referred to in Ecclesiastes 3:13. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. I know By clear reason, and my own long and certain experience; that there is no good in them No other satisfaction or felicity that a man can enjoy in creatures or worldly things; but for a man to rejoice and to do good To employ them freely and cheerfully in acts of charity and liberality toward others, or to use them to the glory of God, living in his fear, which is necessary to the happiness of this as well as of the other life. And also that every one should... read more

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