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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 11:8

But if a man live many years ,.... Enjoying light and life, and beholding the sun with much delight and pleasure. The days of men on earth, or under the sun, are but few at most; but some live many days, in comparison of others; they come to a good old age, as Abraham did; and to their graves like a shock of corn fully ripe; and arrive to, or beyond, the common term of human life; and rejoice in them all ; in and throughout the many years he lives, even all his days; that is, is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:8

If a man live many years - And even have prosperity through the whole; yet the days of darkness - times of affliction, weakness, and perhaps old age, will be many. If he die not a violent death, which no man can wish, he will die a lingering death; and this is ordinarily attended with many pains, and many sorrows; therefore let him prepare to meet his God; and to carry this thought through life, that all must terminate in death. The writer of Ecclesiasticus, 7:36, has a good saying, similar... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:8

But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all . The conjunction ki at the commencement of the verse is causal rather than adversative, and should be rendered "for." The insertion of "and" before "rejoice" mars the sentence. The apodosis begins with "rejoice," and the translation is, For if a man live many years, he ought to rejoice in them all . Koheleth has said ( Ecclesiastes 11:7 ) that life is sweet and precious; now he adds that it is therefore man's duty to enjoy it;... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 11:8

man. Hebrew. 'adam (with Art.) App-14 . See note on Ecclesiastes 1:13 . and rejoice = let him rejoice. read more

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