Verse 10
10. Wise men A designation not only of men of learning and mental endowments, but of prudence, virtue, and piety.
Fool… brutish person The first is one who is dull, sluggish, of obdurate will, and averse to discipline, and always classed with impious persons; the second, “brutish,” are men who are distinguished for living for appetite, being of strong passions, and savage temper and stupid minds.
Die… perish The wise men “die,” but the “fool” and “brutish” perish. There is a wreck of their plans and hopes. They are not annihilated; the word will not bear this sense, and the whole argument contradicts it; for the subject of discourse is moral rewards, not immortality of being. No language could define more diverse characters or rewards.
Leave their wealth to others So that herein they have only a momentary advantage, and that in things of inferior worth.
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