Ecclesiastes 4

Ecclesiastes 4:1

THe teares of] He had said, Ecclesiastes 3:12. That the good of man in this life was to rejoyce and doe good; now hee sheweth how a man may be disturbed in both these things by outward meanes. In the first by grieving at, and commiserating of other mens unjust sufferings and calamities: in the second by reason of the envie which they beare to one another. v. 4.

Ecclesiastes 4:4

This is also] These two aforesaid points are for the most part the causes which hinder the said fruition, and do trouble and afflict mens mindes.

Ecclesiastes 4:5

The fole] Now he begins to shew what mediocrity must be observed in endeavouring & labouring for worldly goods, the fruition of which is so commendable: namely, by shunning the carelessenesse of the one, and the unreasonable care taking of the other. v 7, 8 Eateth] An Hebrew phrase taken from those who taking no food, doe for a time live of their owne substance, untill it be quite consumed. The meaning is, he by little and little consumes all his wealth, and brings himselfe into extreame misery, overthrowing himselfe quite through his owne negligence.

Ecclesiastes 4:6

Better is] He covereth his sloth and basenesse, by a vaine seemingnesse of wisdome in seeking of rest. See Proverbs 26:16.

Ecclesiastes 4:8

His eye] Namely, his covetousnesse, the chiefe instrument and inticement to which, is the eye. See 1 John 2:16.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Two] Upon occasion of them, who by reason of a sordid kinde of avarice, do make choice of a solitary life; he commends the sociable kind of life, in fellowship, especially in the way of matrimony They have] They both contribute towards the common good and profit, and doe enjoy it with more comfort.

Ecclesiastes 4:10

If they fall] By this or are meant all manner of mischances and infirmities which may befall either soule or body.

Ecclesiastes 4:11

They have heat] They shall helpe and relieve one another by all manner of mutuall offices.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Threeold cord] A proverbiall kind of speech to signifie the profit of union.

Ecclesiastes 4:13

Better] Having before declared, how hee had through experience corrected many defaults in himselfe. Now he sheweth what great benefit may redound unto all men from his example and precepts: by opposing thereunto Princes incapable of counsell and correction, such as he did peradventure foresee his son Rehoboam would be.

Ecclesiastes 4:14

Out of prison he commeth] By his vertue, as Joseph did in Egypt. Genesis 41:1-57 That is borne]Who is borne a King in an hereditary kingdome.

Ecclesiastes 4:15

I considered] What I have said before is indeed the defect of aged Kings, yet the peoples fault is as great, when as growing weary of their old prudent Princes, they doe cast their affections upon the young successor, voide of understanding and experience. Which peradventure Solomon might perceive was done to Rehoboam, to the prejudice & contempt of his person and authority In his stead] the Italian Which shall succeed the King] Heb. Succeed him; namely the King whom he had spoken of, verse 14.

Ecclesiastes 4:16

All that have been] This may be referred to the people, which revolted with Absalon against David. 2 Samuel 15:1-37 Shall not] They shall distaste him and be weary of him, and shall worship (as men say) the rising Sunne.