Ecclesiastes 2

Ecclesiastes 2:1

The Use of the Lips

“Conceal” or cover up “hatred”, hiding the wrong, is hypocritical and bears witness to “lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). He who covers up hatred is a liar, for he hides his true intentions. He acts sweetly, but in his heart hatred burns. Such a person was Absalom in his approach to Amnon (2 Samuel 13:22-29). The second line of verse speaks of a possibly even greater evil. That concerns spreading “slander”. Whoever does that breaks someone down among all to whom he tells slander. Whoever does that is a fool. In the first line of verse, something is concealed or covered up or hidden; in the second, something is spread or made public.

Someone who talks a lot cannot possibly be one hundred percent truthful in everything he says (Proverbs 10:19). Especially true for him is what James says of the words a man speaks: “For we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2a). A fool uses many words (Ecclesiastes 5:2). “Transgression” means to cross a line, to trespass. It shows intelligence when we hold back our lips. It is wise not always and certainly not immediately to say everything we think. Every person must be “quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19).

“The tongue of the righteous”, meaning what the righteous says, is worth much more than “the heart of the wicked”, meaning his best intentions (Proverbs 10:20). The contrast between the two expressions is that between the outward and the inward. The outward is the tongue, or what is said. The inward is the mind of the heart, or what one plans. There should be a healthy balance between these.

What the righteous says has the value of “choice silver”, while what the wicked intends has no value at all. The Lord Jesus had a tongue of “choice silver”, for He used His tongue after He had received teaching. As a result, He “how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isaiah 50:4). Silver is a picture of the price to be paid for salvation (Exodus 30:11-16). The words of the Lord Jesus were for the purpose of redeeming people.

The value of the righteous one’s words is that many are fed (spiritually) by them and kept alive by them (Proverbs 10:21). To feed means to pasture, as a shepherd does. It is not just about food; it is about caring for the right food. The words are passed on with care. This is especially true of the words of the Lord Jesus. He is the Bread of life. Also the prophets who spoke in His Name fed the people with their words, they gave the good spiritual food (Jeremiah 3:15). Those words build up. The task of the shepherd and teacher in the church is also to build up the church.

The fools lack understanding. They do not want to be fed by the lips of the Righteous One; they despise His words. Thus they reject life and die. Those who reject Him and do not accept His words will be judged by the word He has spoken (John 12:48).

Ecclesiastes 2:2

The Use of the Lips

“Conceal” or cover up “hatred”, hiding the wrong, is hypocritical and bears witness to “lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). He who covers up hatred is a liar, for he hides his true intentions. He acts sweetly, but in his heart hatred burns. Such a person was Absalom in his approach to Amnon (2 Samuel 13:22-29). The second line of verse speaks of a possibly even greater evil. That concerns spreading “slander”. Whoever does that breaks someone down among all to whom he tells slander. Whoever does that is a fool. In the first line of verse, something is concealed or covered up or hidden; in the second, something is spread or made public.

Someone who talks a lot cannot possibly be one hundred percent truthful in everything he says (Proverbs 10:19). Especially true for him is what James says of the words a man speaks: “For we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2a). A fool uses many words (Ecclesiastes 5:2). “Transgression” means to cross a line, to trespass. It shows intelligence when we hold back our lips. It is wise not always and certainly not immediately to say everything we think. Every person must be “quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19).

“The tongue of the righteous”, meaning what the righteous says, is worth much more than “the heart of the wicked”, meaning his best intentions (Proverbs 10:20). The contrast between the two expressions is that between the outward and the inward. The outward is the tongue, or what is said. The inward is the mind of the heart, or what one plans. There should be a healthy balance between these.

What the righteous says has the value of “choice silver”, while what the wicked intends has no value at all. The Lord Jesus had a tongue of “choice silver”, for He used His tongue after He had received teaching. As a result, He “how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isaiah 50:4). Silver is a picture of the price to be paid for salvation (Exodus 30:11-16). The words of the Lord Jesus were for the purpose of redeeming people.

The value of the righteous one’s words is that many are fed (spiritually) by them and kept alive by them (Proverbs 10:21). To feed means to pasture, as a shepherd does. It is not just about food; it is about caring for the right food. The words are passed on with care. This is especially true of the words of the Lord Jesus. He is the Bread of life. Also the prophets who spoke in His Name fed the people with their words, they gave the good spiritual food (Jeremiah 3:15). Those words build up. The task of the shepherd and teacher in the church is also to build up the church.

The fools lack understanding. They do not want to be fed by the lips of the Righteous One; they despise His words. Thus they reject life and die. Those who reject Him and do not accept His words will be judged by the word He has spoken (John 12:48).

Ecclesiastes 2:3

The Use of the Lips

“Conceal” or cover up “hatred”, hiding the wrong, is hypocritical and bears witness to “lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). He who covers up hatred is a liar, for he hides his true intentions. He acts sweetly, but in his heart hatred burns. Such a person was Absalom in his approach to Amnon (2 Samuel 13:22-29). The second line of verse speaks of a possibly even greater evil. That concerns spreading “slander”. Whoever does that breaks someone down among all to whom he tells slander. Whoever does that is a fool. In the first line of verse, something is concealed or covered up or hidden; in the second, something is spread or made public.

Someone who talks a lot cannot possibly be one hundred percent truthful in everything he says (Proverbs 10:19). Especially true for him is what James says of the words a man speaks: “For we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2a). A fool uses many words (Ecclesiastes 5:2). “Transgression” means to cross a line, to trespass. It shows intelligence when we hold back our lips. It is wise not always and certainly not immediately to say everything we think. Every person must be “quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19).

“The tongue of the righteous”, meaning what the righteous says, is worth much more than “the heart of the wicked”, meaning his best intentions (Proverbs 10:20). The contrast between the two expressions is that between the outward and the inward. The outward is the tongue, or what is said. The inward is the mind of the heart, or what one plans. There should be a healthy balance between these.

What the righteous says has the value of “choice silver”, while what the wicked intends has no value at all. The Lord Jesus had a tongue of “choice silver”, for He used His tongue after He had received teaching. As a result, He “how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isaiah 50:4). Silver is a picture of the price to be paid for salvation (Exodus 30:11-16). The words of the Lord Jesus were for the purpose of redeeming people.

The value of the righteous one’s words is that many are fed (spiritually) by them and kept alive by them (Proverbs 10:21). To feed means to pasture, as a shepherd does. It is not just about food; it is about caring for the right food. The words are passed on with care. This is especially true of the words of the Lord Jesus. He is the Bread of life. Also the prophets who spoke in His Name fed the people with their words, they gave the good spiritual food (Jeremiah 3:15). Those words build up. The task of the shepherd and teacher in the church is also to build up the church.

The fools lack understanding. They do not want to be fed by the lips of the Righteous One; they despise His words. Thus they reject life and die. Those who reject Him and do not accept His words will be judged by the word He has spoken (John 12:48).

Ecclesiastes 2:4

The Use of the Lips

“Conceal” or cover up “hatred”, hiding the wrong, is hypocritical and bears witness to “lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). He who covers up hatred is a liar, for he hides his true intentions. He acts sweetly, but in his heart hatred burns. Such a person was Absalom in his approach to Amnon (2 Samuel 13:22-29). The second line of verse speaks of a possibly even greater evil. That concerns spreading “slander”. Whoever does that breaks someone down among all to whom he tells slander. Whoever does that is a fool. In the first line of verse, something is concealed or covered up or hidden; in the second, something is spread or made public.

Someone who talks a lot cannot possibly be one hundred percent truthful in everything he says (Proverbs 10:19). Especially true for him is what James says of the words a man speaks: “For we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2a). A fool uses many words (Ecclesiastes 5:2). “Transgression” means to cross a line, to trespass. It shows intelligence when we hold back our lips. It is wise not always and certainly not immediately to say everything we think. Every person must be “quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19).

“The tongue of the righteous”, meaning what the righteous says, is worth much more than “the heart of the wicked”, meaning his best intentions (Proverbs 10:20). The contrast between the two expressions is that between the outward and the inward. The outward is the tongue, or what is said. The inward is the mind of the heart, or what one plans. There should be a healthy balance between these.

What the righteous says has the value of “choice silver”, while what the wicked intends has no value at all. The Lord Jesus had a tongue of “choice silver”, for He used His tongue after He had received teaching. As a result, He “how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isaiah 50:4). Silver is a picture of the price to be paid for salvation (Exodus 30:11-16). The words of the Lord Jesus were for the purpose of redeeming people.

The value of the righteous one’s words is that many are fed (spiritually) by them and kept alive by them (Proverbs 10:21). To feed means to pasture, as a shepherd does. It is not just about food; it is about caring for the right food. The words are passed on with care. This is especially true of the words of the Lord Jesus. He is the Bread of life. Also the prophets who spoke in His Name fed the people with their words, they gave the good spiritual food (Jeremiah 3:15). Those words build up. The task of the shepherd and teacher in the church is also to build up the church.

The fools lack understanding. They do not want to be fed by the lips of the Righteous One; they despise His words. Thus they reject life and die. Those who reject Him and do not accept His words will be judged by the word He has spoken (John 12:48).

Ecclesiastes 2:5

The Blessing of the LORD

All the wealth we have is given to us by God (Proverbs 10:22). It is His blessing, without adding “sorrow” or “toil”, i.e. without any performance from our side (cf. Psalms 127:1). The word “that” puts full emphasis on “the blessing of the LORD”. Only that blessing makes one rich. This verse is a warning against complacency, against thinking that we owe our wealth to ourselves.

There is no contradiction with Proverbs 10:4, which says that the hand of the industrious makes rich. Both one and the other are true. We must work, but also realize that the Lord must give us the strength for it and also the blessing on it. Then we realize that everything comes from Him and we will give Him the glory for it.

A person’s character is revealed by the things in which he finds pleasure (Proverbs 10:23). To a fool, behaving disgracefully is like sport and play. It goes off him as easily as playing goes off a child. He finds the greatest pleasure in speaking scandalously, as evidenced by the obscene expressions he uses. “Doing wickedness” is indicative of very sinful behavior. The fool considers even the worst in terms of sin as entertainment, as a joke. He laughs at it and because of it.

This is contrasted with the wisdom that gives someone of understanding full joy as if it were a pleasant game. It is not about what a person does, but the attitude a person has in doing what he does. Wisdom gives delight to one who has understanding. That delight is found in God’s Word (Psalms 119:117).

The wicked may take pleasure in his shameful behavior, but at the same time he is inwardly very afraid of what is to come. Indeed, what he fears also comes upon him (Proverbs 10:24). He lives without God and therefore without any security and therefore always in fear. The righteous on the other hand gets what he longs for, for he lives with God and expects everything from Him. A huge contrast is painted here.

He who has no foundation in his life, that is, who has no biblical principles, resembles a whirlwind that is passing by (Proverbs 10:25). A whirlwind rages for a moment and then disappears again, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Such is the wicked. This connects with the previous verse, which says that upon the wicked comes what he fears. He can enjoy in his life everything he desires, such as wealth, prestige, family, while living in fear that it will all one day fall away from him. Indeed, it will also be taken away from him as if by a raging storm. Possibly already in this life, but certainly at his (possibly sudden) death.

The righteous one is the opposite. The same things can happen to him as to the wicked. His wealth, prestige, family and health may also be taken from him (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-10). But when disasters come into his life, he proves to have “an eternal foundation” (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). It shows the immutability of the position of the righteous man that he has because his life is built on Christ the Rock. As a result, his house of life remains standing firm no matter how much the whirlwind pounds against it.

Vinegar, which is sour, feels very nasty to the teeth when you drink it (Proverbs 10:26). Smoke to the eyes is also very irritating, because your eyes begin to water, you can no longer see anything and cannot move a step. With these unpleasant experiences, the lazy one is compared who is sent out with a certain assignment. He does not carry out that assignment, or too late, or inaccurately and incompletely. A lazy person only causes irritation when you expect something from him. Slowness in the work of the Lord is also a bad and irritating thing. Those who are slow in it even bring a curse upon themselves as a result (Jeremiah 48:10).

Ecclesiastes 2:6

The Blessing of the LORD

All the wealth we have is given to us by God (Proverbs 10:22). It is His blessing, without adding “sorrow” or “toil”, i.e. without any performance from our side (cf. Psalms 127:1). The word “that” puts full emphasis on “the blessing of the LORD”. Only that blessing makes one rich. This verse is a warning against complacency, against thinking that we owe our wealth to ourselves.

There is no contradiction with Proverbs 10:4, which says that the hand of the industrious makes rich. Both one and the other are true. We must work, but also realize that the Lord must give us the strength for it and also the blessing on it. Then we realize that everything comes from Him and we will give Him the glory for it.

A person’s character is revealed by the things in which he finds pleasure (Proverbs 10:23). To a fool, behaving disgracefully is like sport and play. It goes off him as easily as playing goes off a child. He finds the greatest pleasure in speaking scandalously, as evidenced by the obscene expressions he uses. “Doing wickedness” is indicative of very sinful behavior. The fool considers even the worst in terms of sin as entertainment, as a joke. He laughs at it and because of it.

This is contrasted with the wisdom that gives someone of understanding full joy as if it were a pleasant game. It is not about what a person does, but the attitude a person has in doing what he does. Wisdom gives delight to one who has understanding. That delight is found in God’s Word (Psalms 119:117).

The wicked may take pleasure in his shameful behavior, but at the same time he is inwardly very afraid of what is to come. Indeed, what he fears also comes upon him (Proverbs 10:24). He lives without God and therefore without any security and therefore always in fear. The righteous on the other hand gets what he longs for, for he lives with God and expects everything from Him. A huge contrast is painted here.

He who has no foundation in his life, that is, who has no biblical principles, resembles a whirlwind that is passing by (Proverbs 10:25). A whirlwind rages for a moment and then disappears again, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Such is the wicked. This connects with the previous verse, which says that upon the wicked comes what he fears. He can enjoy in his life everything he desires, such as wealth, prestige, family, while living in fear that it will all one day fall away from him. Indeed, it will also be taken away from him as if by a raging storm. Possibly already in this life, but certainly at his (possibly sudden) death.

The righteous one is the opposite. The same things can happen to him as to the wicked. His wealth, prestige, family and health may also be taken from him (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-10). But when disasters come into his life, he proves to have “an eternal foundation” (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). It shows the immutability of the position of the righteous man that he has because his life is built on Christ the Rock. As a result, his house of life remains standing firm no matter how much the whirlwind pounds against it.

Vinegar, which is sour, feels very nasty to the teeth when you drink it (Proverbs 10:26). Smoke to the eyes is also very irritating, because your eyes begin to water, you can no longer see anything and cannot move a step. With these unpleasant experiences, the lazy one is compared who is sent out with a certain assignment. He does not carry out that assignment, or too late, or inaccurately and incompletely. A lazy person only causes irritation when you expect something from him. Slowness in the work of the Lord is also a bad and irritating thing. Those who are slow in it even bring a curse upon themselves as a result (Jeremiah 48:10).

Ecclesiastes 2:7

The Blessing of the LORD

All the wealth we have is given to us by God (Proverbs 10:22). It is His blessing, without adding “sorrow” or “toil”, i.e. without any performance from our side (cf. Psalms 127:1). The word “that” puts full emphasis on “the blessing of the LORD”. Only that blessing makes one rich. This verse is a warning against complacency, against thinking that we owe our wealth to ourselves.

There is no contradiction with Proverbs 10:4, which says that the hand of the industrious makes rich. Both one and the other are true. We must work, but also realize that the Lord must give us the strength for it and also the blessing on it. Then we realize that everything comes from Him and we will give Him the glory for it.

A person’s character is revealed by the things in which he finds pleasure (Proverbs 10:23). To a fool, behaving disgracefully is like sport and play. It goes off him as easily as playing goes off a child. He finds the greatest pleasure in speaking scandalously, as evidenced by the obscene expressions he uses. “Doing wickedness” is indicative of very sinful behavior. The fool considers even the worst in terms of sin as entertainment, as a joke. He laughs at it and because of it.

This is contrasted with the wisdom that gives someone of understanding full joy as if it were a pleasant game. It is not about what a person does, but the attitude a person has in doing what he does. Wisdom gives delight to one who has understanding. That delight is found in God’s Word (Psalms 119:117).

The wicked may take pleasure in his shameful behavior, but at the same time he is inwardly very afraid of what is to come. Indeed, what he fears also comes upon him (Proverbs 10:24). He lives without God and therefore without any security and therefore always in fear. The righteous on the other hand gets what he longs for, for he lives with God and expects everything from Him. A huge contrast is painted here.

He who has no foundation in his life, that is, who has no biblical principles, resembles a whirlwind that is passing by (Proverbs 10:25). A whirlwind rages for a moment and then disappears again, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Such is the wicked. This connects with the previous verse, which says that upon the wicked comes what he fears. He can enjoy in his life everything he desires, such as wealth, prestige, family, while living in fear that it will all one day fall away from him. Indeed, it will also be taken away from him as if by a raging storm. Possibly already in this life, but certainly at his (possibly sudden) death.

The righteous one is the opposite. The same things can happen to him as to the wicked. His wealth, prestige, family and health may also be taken from him (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-10). But when disasters come into his life, he proves to have “an eternal foundation” (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). It shows the immutability of the position of the righteous man that he has because his life is built on Christ the Rock. As a result, his house of life remains standing firm no matter how much the whirlwind pounds against it.

Vinegar, which is sour, feels very nasty to the teeth when you drink it (Proverbs 10:26). Smoke to the eyes is also very irritating, because your eyes begin to water, you can no longer see anything and cannot move a step. With these unpleasant experiences, the lazy one is compared who is sent out with a certain assignment. He does not carry out that assignment, or too late, or inaccurately and incompletely. A lazy person only causes irritation when you expect something from him. Slowness in the work of the Lord is also a bad and irritating thing. Those who are slow in it even bring a curse upon themselves as a result (Jeremiah 48:10).

Ecclesiastes 2:8

The Blessing of the LORD

All the wealth we have is given to us by God (Proverbs 10:22). It is His blessing, without adding “sorrow” or “toil”, i.e. without any performance from our side (cf. Psalms 127:1). The word “that” puts full emphasis on “the blessing of the LORD”. Only that blessing makes one rich. This verse is a warning against complacency, against thinking that we owe our wealth to ourselves.

There is no contradiction with Proverbs 10:4, which says that the hand of the industrious makes rich. Both one and the other are true. We must work, but also realize that the Lord must give us the strength for it and also the blessing on it. Then we realize that everything comes from Him and we will give Him the glory for it.

A person’s character is revealed by the things in which he finds pleasure (Proverbs 10:23). To a fool, behaving disgracefully is like sport and play. It goes off him as easily as playing goes off a child. He finds the greatest pleasure in speaking scandalously, as evidenced by the obscene expressions he uses. “Doing wickedness” is indicative of very sinful behavior. The fool considers even the worst in terms of sin as entertainment, as a joke. He laughs at it and because of it.

This is contrasted with the wisdom that gives someone of understanding full joy as if it were a pleasant game. It is not about what a person does, but the attitude a person has in doing what he does. Wisdom gives delight to one who has understanding. That delight is found in God’s Word (Psalms 119:117).

The wicked may take pleasure in his shameful behavior, but at the same time he is inwardly very afraid of what is to come. Indeed, what he fears also comes upon him (Proverbs 10:24). He lives without God and therefore without any security and therefore always in fear. The righteous on the other hand gets what he longs for, for he lives with God and expects everything from Him. A huge contrast is painted here.

He who has no foundation in his life, that is, who has no biblical principles, resembles a whirlwind that is passing by (Proverbs 10:25). A whirlwind rages for a moment and then disappears again, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Such is the wicked. This connects with the previous verse, which says that upon the wicked comes what he fears. He can enjoy in his life everything he desires, such as wealth, prestige, family, while living in fear that it will all one day fall away from him. Indeed, it will also be taken away from him as if by a raging storm. Possibly already in this life, but certainly at his (possibly sudden) death.

The righteous one is the opposite. The same things can happen to him as to the wicked. His wealth, prestige, family and health may also be taken from him (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-10). But when disasters come into his life, he proves to have “an eternal foundation” (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). It shows the immutability of the position of the righteous man that he has because his life is built on Christ the Rock. As a result, his house of life remains standing firm no matter how much the whirlwind pounds against it.

Vinegar, which is sour, feels very nasty to the teeth when you drink it (Proverbs 10:26). Smoke to the eyes is also very irritating, because your eyes begin to water, you can no longer see anything and cannot move a step. With these unpleasant experiences, the lazy one is compared who is sent out with a certain assignment. He does not carry out that assignment, or too late, or inaccurately and incompletely. A lazy person only causes irritation when you expect something from him. Slowness in the work of the Lord is also a bad and irritating thing. Those who are slow in it even bring a curse upon themselves as a result (Jeremiah 48:10).

Ecclesiastes 2:9

The Blessing of the LORD

All the wealth we have is given to us by God (Proverbs 10:22). It is His blessing, without adding “sorrow” or “toil”, i.e. without any performance from our side (cf. Psalms 127:1). The word “that” puts full emphasis on “the blessing of the LORD”. Only that blessing makes one rich. This verse is a warning against complacency, against thinking that we owe our wealth to ourselves.

There is no contradiction with Proverbs 10:4, which says that the hand of the industrious makes rich. Both one and the other are true. We must work, but also realize that the Lord must give us the strength for it and also the blessing on it. Then we realize that everything comes from Him and we will give Him the glory for it.

A person’s character is revealed by the things in which he finds pleasure (Proverbs 10:23). To a fool, behaving disgracefully is like sport and play. It goes off him as easily as playing goes off a child. He finds the greatest pleasure in speaking scandalously, as evidenced by the obscene expressions he uses. “Doing wickedness” is indicative of very sinful behavior. The fool considers even the worst in terms of sin as entertainment, as a joke. He laughs at it and because of it.

This is contrasted with the wisdom that gives someone of understanding full joy as if it were a pleasant game. It is not about what a person does, but the attitude a person has in doing what he does. Wisdom gives delight to one who has understanding. That delight is found in God’s Word (Psalms 119:117).

The wicked may take pleasure in his shameful behavior, but at the same time he is inwardly very afraid of what is to come. Indeed, what he fears also comes upon him (Proverbs 10:24). He lives without God and therefore without any security and therefore always in fear. The righteous on the other hand gets what he longs for, for he lives with God and expects everything from Him. A huge contrast is painted here.

He who has no foundation in his life, that is, who has no biblical principles, resembles a whirlwind that is passing by (Proverbs 10:25). A whirlwind rages for a moment and then disappears again, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Such is the wicked. This connects with the previous verse, which says that upon the wicked comes what he fears. He can enjoy in his life everything he desires, such as wealth, prestige, family, while living in fear that it will all one day fall away from him. Indeed, it will also be taken away from him as if by a raging storm. Possibly already in this life, but certainly at his (possibly sudden) death.

The righteous one is the opposite. The same things can happen to him as to the wicked. His wealth, prestige, family and health may also be taken from him (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-10). But when disasters come into his life, he proves to have “an eternal foundation” (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). It shows the immutability of the position of the righteous man that he has because his life is built on Christ the Rock. As a result, his house of life remains standing firm no matter how much the whirlwind pounds against it.

Vinegar, which is sour, feels very nasty to the teeth when you drink it (Proverbs 10:26). Smoke to the eyes is also very irritating, because your eyes begin to water, you can no longer see anything and cannot move a step. With these unpleasant experiences, the lazy one is compared who is sent out with a certain assignment. He does not carry out that assignment, or too late, or inaccurately and incompletely. A lazy person only causes irritation when you expect something from him. Slowness in the work of the Lord is also a bad and irritating thing. Those who are slow in it even bring a curse upon themselves as a result (Jeremiah 48:10).

Ecclesiastes 2:10

Hope and Expectation

The normal expectation for one who fears the LORD is that he will live long, while the years of the wicked “will be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27). That a God-fearing person sometimes dies young and a wicked one lives long may cause doubt about this verse (Psalms 73:1-22). That doubt disappears when we remember that the meaning extends beyond death.

The expectation that the righteous has gives him joy now and not only later, at the fulfillment of that expectation (Proverbs 10:28). This is because his expectation is connected to the faithful God and His Christ. That God is with him even now. In Him his heart trusts. The eye of the righteous person is not primarily focused on what he expects, life forever, but on Him Who will not shame his expectation.

Someone has said that it is not about a long life, but a full life. A full life is a life filled with the will of God and is therefore a long life, because “the one who does the will of God, will live forever” (1 John 2:17). The Lord Jesus spoke of life in abundance (John 10:10b). That life never comes to an end and is also life enjoyed in its fullness. It is not only about duration, but also about content. The short stay on earth is followed by a life forever with the Lord Jesus in the Father’s house.

The wicked also have their expectations. They consider themselves well off if they are prosperous and healthy by living as if this will remain so indefinitely. In their dream house they imagine themselves in heaven even now, but they will wake up in hell. They have no ground for their expectation that their prosperity will last forever because they do not count with God. Therefore, their expectation will also perish. King Zedekiah is a clear example of this (Jeremiah 39:1-8).

Ecclesiastes 2:11

Hope and Expectation

The normal expectation for one who fears the LORD is that he will live long, while the years of the wicked “will be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27). That a God-fearing person sometimes dies young and a wicked one lives long may cause doubt about this verse (Psalms 73:1-22). That doubt disappears when we remember that the meaning extends beyond death.

The expectation that the righteous has gives him joy now and not only later, at the fulfillment of that expectation (Proverbs 10:28). This is because his expectation is connected to the faithful God and His Christ. That God is with him even now. In Him his heart trusts. The eye of the righteous person is not primarily focused on what he expects, life forever, but on Him Who will not shame his expectation.

Someone has said that it is not about a long life, but a full life. A full life is a life filled with the will of God and is therefore a long life, because “the one who does the will of God, will live forever” (1 John 2:17). The Lord Jesus spoke of life in abundance (John 10:10b). That life never comes to an end and is also life enjoyed in its fullness. It is not only about duration, but also about content. The short stay on earth is followed by a life forever with the Lord Jesus in the Father’s house.

The wicked also have their expectations. They consider themselves well off if they are prosperous and healthy by living as if this will remain so indefinitely. In their dream house they imagine themselves in heaven even now, but they will wake up in hell. They have no ground for their expectation that their prosperity will last forever because they do not count with God. Therefore, their expectation will also perish. King Zedekiah is a clear example of this (Jeremiah 39:1-8).

Ecclesiastes 2:12

The Way of the LORD

“The way of the LORD”, that is, the way He goes and the actions He performs, the work He does, “is a stronghold to the upright” (Proverbs 10:29). The upright person feels perfectly safe in the way of God, under His guidance, protected from all kinds of dangers. He confidently surrenders everything to God, because he knows that He acts justly. That is what the Lord Jesus did (1 Peter 2:23b). The same action of God that is a stronghold for the upright means “ruin” for those who work iniquity. God uses His power against them. He is just in His dealings both with the righteous and the ungodly.

“The righteous” will with certainty “never be shaken” (Proverbs 10:30). He will stand unwavering, continuously and receive all the promises promised to him by God. He will dwell in the land forever (Leviticus 20:22). But the wicked will get nothing of the future blessing God will give to His people on earth (Deuteronomy 4:25-27). They will be exterminated from the earth and will therefore “not dwell in the land”.

Ecclesiastes 2:13

The Way of the LORD

“The way of the LORD”, that is, the way He goes and the actions He performs, the work He does, “is a stronghold to the upright” (Proverbs 10:29). The upright person feels perfectly safe in the way of God, under His guidance, protected from all kinds of dangers. He confidently surrenders everything to God, because he knows that He acts justly. That is what the Lord Jesus did (1 Peter 2:23b). The same action of God that is a stronghold for the upright means “ruin” for those who work iniquity. God uses His power against them. He is just in His dealings both with the righteous and the ungodly.

“The righteous” will with certainty “never be shaken” (Proverbs 10:30). He will stand unwavering, continuously and receive all the promises promised to him by God. He will dwell in the land forever (Leviticus 20:22). But the wicked will get nothing of the future blessing God will give to His people on earth (Deuteronomy 4:25-27). They will be exterminated from the earth and will therefore “not dwell in the land”.

Ecclesiastes 2:14

The Mouth and the Lips of the Righteous

“The mouth of the righteous” not only speaks wisdom, but “overflows” with it (Proverbs 10:31). As always, when we think of “the righteous”, we think first and foremost of the Lord Jesus. He constantly and abundantly speaks wisdom. From that, others can refresh themselves. He is the Source from Whom wisdom flows ceaselessly.

Very different is the case with “the perverted tongue”. This tongue “will be cut out” like a “tree that does not bear good fruits will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). The man of sin, the antichrist, is the prototype of this. It also applies to all false prophets and false teachers. When the tongue is cut out, it is impossible to say one more word. As a result, he can no longer corrupt anyone with his shameful talk.

“The lips of the righteous” speak pleasant things that do good to a man (Proverbs 10:32). The righteous one knows “what is acceptable” for others to listen to; he knows how to choose his words well. The Lord Jesus has spoken what is acceptable. He spoke words of grace that people wondered at (Luke 4:22). We are told to speak “such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment], so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). These are acceptable words.

In contrast, the wicked one lets out only perverted things. He speaks without thinking about it. What he says will bring ruin to himself and others.

Ecclesiastes 2:15

The Mouth and the Lips of the Righteous

“The mouth of the righteous” not only speaks wisdom, but “overflows” with it (Proverbs 10:31). As always, when we think of “the righteous”, we think first and foremost of the Lord Jesus. He constantly and abundantly speaks wisdom. From that, others can refresh themselves. He is the Source from Whom wisdom flows ceaselessly.

Very different is the case with “the perverted tongue”. This tongue “will be cut out” like a “tree that does not bear good fruits will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). The man of sin, the antichrist, is the prototype of this. It also applies to all false prophets and false teachers. When the tongue is cut out, it is impossible to say one more word. As a result, he can no longer corrupt anyone with his shameful talk.

“The lips of the righteous” speak pleasant things that do good to a man (Proverbs 10:32). The righteous one knows “what is acceptable” for others to listen to; he knows how to choose his words well. The Lord Jesus has spoken what is acceptable. He spoke words of grace that people wondered at (Luke 4:22). We are told to speak “such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment], so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). These are acceptable words.

In contrast, the wicked one lets out only perverted things. He speaks without thinking about it. What he says will bring ruin to himself and others.

Ecclesiastes 2:17

Honesty in Doing Business

This verse is about doing business as it happens in the marketplace and in the store, that is, in everyday life. God wants all business to be done honestly. If it is not, it is “an abomination” to Him; if it is, it is “His delight” Here we see God’s personal response to how trade is done. The handling of “a false balance” involves shortchanging one of the members of His people. God here stands up for the wronged one. In His “weighing” of the seller’s behavior, He employs an absolutely honest measure.

There is nothing in daily life that He is outside of. The lives of His people in their dealings with one another should reflect His attributes. Everything should be done in accordance with His will, that is, in accordance with Who He is as light and love. This also applies to commerce.

Because commerce is about profit, about money, especially there the dangers of being dishonest are great. Someone can be driven by greed for money just like that. Charging a little more than the product is worth, delivering a little less product than was paid for, makes the profit greater. God knows His people and therefore wants them to use “just balances, a just ephah and a just bath” (Ezekiel 45:10).

Throughout Scripture, dishonesty in trade is condemned (Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Amos 8:5). God not only forbids it, but it is also an abomination to Him. God accepts one’s dealings only if they are honest. He pays attention to whether we give product for the money we charge for that product. Dishonesty runs rampant when God is not taken into account. A false balance is literally a ‘weight of deceit’. One who uses a false balance lacks sincerity of heart (Proverbs 11:20).

Being honest is linked by God in the law to the redemption of His people from Egypt (Leviticus 19:35-36). Through the redemption, He made them His own people. Therefore, they must be honest as He is. Likewise, by virtue of our redemption from the world, we too, who belong to the church of God, should be honest in our dealings. Any injustice, any dishonesty, must be avoided by us (1 Corinthians 6:8). This applies not only to material matters, but also when we have to deal with disputes or sin. Do we then apply an honest standard, or do we let family or friendship ties influence our consideration?

Ecclesiastes 2:18

Humility and Uprightness

“Pride”, or arrogance, is literally “boiling over”, or overstepping boundaries and the hallmark of rebellion (Proverbs 11:2). Proud people puff themselves up to the level of a deity. In the wake of their puffiness follows “dishonor”, a word meaning “to be made light”. The proud, puffed-up person is like a balloon that deflates until only a rag remains.

An apt illustration of this is Herod Agrippa who allowed himself to be hailed as God and immediately afterward was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:21-23). He was a bloated god who shriveled up into a rag. The Pharisees are also puffed up. They think big of themselves in their relationship with God and look down contemptuously on others (Luke 18:9-12; Matthew 6:5). The Lord pronounces the “woe to you” on them (Matthew 23:13-32). Another example of hubris is Babylon the great, which is the roman-catholic church, which will also be judged for it (Revelation 18:7-8). All that remains of it is “the smoke of its fire” (Revelation 18:18).

Opposite of pride is humility or humbleness. “With the humble is wisdom”, as evidenced by the place they occupy before God and men. They moderate nothing; they are not puffed up. With them is the fear of God and that is their wisdom. They will be exalted in God’s time (Luke 14:11; 1 Peter 5:6).

Those who are humble are also upright (Proverbs 11:3). The consequence or result of inner “integrity” is that it “will guide” the upright in the way they go and in the contacts they have. There is freedom and life in their going, both for themselves and for those they meet. Here we see the blessed influence that integrity has on the upright. Integrity is a mind of heart, expressed in acting honestly and faithfully.

Opposed to the upright are “the treacherous”. With them there is no integrity, but its opposite, “crookedness”. This crookedness is evident in the crooked ways they go and the crooked doctrine they preach. They themselves suffer the effect of this. By their crookedness they destroy themselves. Here we see the devastating effect that crookedness has on the treacherous themselves. He who seeks to damage others damages himself.

Ecclesiastes 2:19

Humility and Uprightness

“Pride”, or arrogance, is literally “boiling over”, or overstepping boundaries and the hallmark of rebellion (Proverbs 11:2). Proud people puff themselves up to the level of a deity. In the wake of their puffiness follows “dishonor”, a word meaning “to be made light”. The proud, puffed-up person is like a balloon that deflates until only a rag remains.

An apt illustration of this is Herod Agrippa who allowed himself to be hailed as God and immediately afterward was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:21-23). He was a bloated god who shriveled up into a rag. The Pharisees are also puffed up. They think big of themselves in their relationship with God and look down contemptuously on others (Luke 18:9-12; Matthew 6:5). The Lord pronounces the “woe to you” on them (Matthew 23:13-32). Another example of hubris is Babylon the great, which is the roman-catholic church, which will also be judged for it (Revelation 18:7-8). All that remains of it is “the smoke of its fire” (Revelation 18:18).

Opposite of pride is humility or humbleness. “With the humble is wisdom”, as evidenced by the place they occupy before God and men. They moderate nothing; they are not puffed up. With them is the fear of God and that is their wisdom. They will be exalted in God’s time (Luke 14:11; 1 Peter 5:6).

Those who are humble are also upright (Proverbs 11:3). The consequence or result of inner “integrity” is that it “will guide” the upright in the way they go and in the contacts they have. There is freedom and life in their going, both for themselves and for those they meet. Here we see the blessed influence that integrity has on the upright. Integrity is a mind of heart, expressed in acting honestly and faithfully.

Opposed to the upright are “the treacherous”. With them there is no integrity, but its opposite, “crookedness”. This crookedness is evident in the crooked ways they go and the crooked doctrine they preach. They themselves suffer the effect of this. By their crookedness they destroy themselves. Here we see the devastating effect that crookedness has on the treacherous themselves. He who seeks to damage others damages himself.

Ecclesiastes 2:20

Righteousness Delivers and Guides

Even though someone possesses all the gold and silver of the world, it is of no significance “in the day of wrath”, which is the day of the wrath of God on sin (Proverbs 11:4; Zephaniah 1:18; Ezekiel 7:19; Mark 8:37-38). “The day of wrath” can be both the day of death and future judgment. In this life, possessions can be used to bribe a judge and buy off punishment. But that is not how it works with God. All that matters on that day is whether a person has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19). Those who have been redeemed by it have the righteousness of God through faith in Christ. Only that “righteousness delivers from death”.

Righteousness not only saves from death, but also has great practical value for life. Righteousness makes the way of the blameless smooth (Proverbs 11:5). The blameless one is incorruptible, unimpeachable, always honest. This is evident in his righteousness, in doing what is right. As a result, his way is also smooth. There is nothing twisted or ambiguous in it. He goes a safe and secure way through life. The way Joseph went in the midst of his brothers and in Egypt is an example of this. It is perfectly true of the Lord Jesus, the perfectly blameless, and it is also true of every one who follows Him in blamelessness.

What characterizes the way of the blameless is totally lacking in the wicked. With him we see the opposite. His wickedness does not give him any stability in life, but rather causes his fall.

In Proverbs 11:6 there is again mention of “the righteousness of the upright” In Proverbs 11:5 it is singular, “the blameless” one, now it is plural, “the upright” ones. Now it is about deliverance from dangerous, life-threatening situations. The smooth way of Pro 11:5 is a way with dangers. The same righteousness that makes the way smooth also helps overcome difficulties on that way. For this, the upright seek their help from Him Who has given righteousness.

“The treacherous” lack righteousness and therefore help in dangers. They do not even see those dangers, but are led by their own “greed”. They are “caught” by their greed, which causes them to be caught in it as in a prison. Their greed leads them to commit sins, which surround them like a net from which they cannot free themselves. Through that net they are dragged to judgment and ultimately to eternal death.

Ecclesiastes 2:21

Righteousness Delivers and Guides

Even though someone possesses all the gold and silver of the world, it is of no significance “in the day of wrath”, which is the day of the wrath of God on sin (Proverbs 11:4; Zephaniah 1:18; Ezekiel 7:19; Mark 8:37-38). “The day of wrath” can be both the day of death and future judgment. In this life, possessions can be used to bribe a judge and buy off punishment. But that is not how it works with God. All that matters on that day is whether a person has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19). Those who have been redeemed by it have the righteousness of God through faith in Christ. Only that “righteousness delivers from death”.

Righteousness not only saves from death, but also has great practical value for life. Righteousness makes the way of the blameless smooth (Proverbs 11:5). The blameless one is incorruptible, unimpeachable, always honest. This is evident in his righteousness, in doing what is right. As a result, his way is also smooth. There is nothing twisted or ambiguous in it. He goes a safe and secure way through life. The way Joseph went in the midst of his brothers and in Egypt is an example of this. It is perfectly true of the Lord Jesus, the perfectly blameless, and it is also true of every one who follows Him in blamelessness.

What characterizes the way of the blameless is totally lacking in the wicked. With him we see the opposite. His wickedness does not give him any stability in life, but rather causes his fall.

In Proverbs 11:6 there is again mention of “the righteousness of the upright” In Proverbs 11:5 it is singular, “the blameless” one, now it is plural, “the upright” ones. Now it is about deliverance from dangerous, life-threatening situations. The smooth way of Pro 11:5 is a way with dangers. The same righteousness that makes the way smooth also helps overcome difficulties on that way. For this, the upright seek their help from Him Who has given righteousness.

“The treacherous” lack righteousness and therefore help in dangers. They do not even see those dangers, but are led by their own “greed”. They are “caught” by their greed, which causes them to be caught in it as in a prison. Their greed leads them to commit sins, which surround them like a net from which they cannot free themselves. Through that net they are dragged to judgment and ultimately to eternal death.

Ecclesiastes 2:22

Righteousness Delivers and Guides

Even though someone possesses all the gold and silver of the world, it is of no significance “in the day of wrath”, which is the day of the wrath of God on sin (Proverbs 11:4; Zephaniah 1:18; Ezekiel 7:19; Mark 8:37-38). “The day of wrath” can be both the day of death and future judgment. In this life, possessions can be used to bribe a judge and buy off punishment. But that is not how it works with God. All that matters on that day is whether a person has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19). Those who have been redeemed by it have the righteousness of God through faith in Christ. Only that “righteousness delivers from death”.

Righteousness not only saves from death, but also has great practical value for life. Righteousness makes the way of the blameless smooth (Proverbs 11:5). The blameless one is incorruptible, unimpeachable, always honest. This is evident in his righteousness, in doing what is right. As a result, his way is also smooth. There is nothing twisted or ambiguous in it. He goes a safe and secure way through life. The way Joseph went in the midst of his brothers and in Egypt is an example of this. It is perfectly true of the Lord Jesus, the perfectly blameless, and it is also true of every one who follows Him in blamelessness.

What characterizes the way of the blameless is totally lacking in the wicked. With him we see the opposite. His wickedness does not give him any stability in life, but rather causes his fall.

In Proverbs 11:6 there is again mention of “the righteousness of the upright” In Proverbs 11:5 it is singular, “the blameless” one, now it is plural, “the upright” ones. Now it is about deliverance from dangerous, life-threatening situations. The smooth way of Pro 11:5 is a way with dangers. The same righteousness that makes the way smooth also helps overcome difficulties on that way. For this, the upright seek their help from Him Who has given righteousness.

“The treacherous” lack righteousness and therefore help in dangers. They do not even see those dangers, but are led by their own “greed”. They are “caught” by their greed, which causes them to be caught in it as in a prison. Their greed leads them to commit sins, which surround them like a net from which they cannot free themselves. Through that net they are dragged to judgment and ultimately to eternal death.

Ecclesiastes 2:23

The Fate of the Wicked

As for “a wicked man”, the moment he dies his “expectation will perish” (Proverbs 11:7; Psalms 49:16-20). This verse speaks of a great tragedy associated with the expectation that the wicked man believes he has. Any hope of longevity or success will end in disillusionment because that expectation is anchored in reliance on earthly possessions.

He may have had “the hope of strong men” that he would live forever in prosperity, with rock-solid confidence in carrying out his plans, but it all perishes like a vapor when he dies. The Lord Jesus tells of a rich man who dies without God. This man had to leave all his wealth at his death and in the afterlife he did not even have a drop of water to cool his tongue in even the slightest way (Luke 16:19-31).

What grace that the believer may have a certain hope, a hope that when he dies does not perish, but rather is fulfilled. The believer’s hope is a certainty; it is a hope that does not fail (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 5:5). Therefore, he hopes “with perseverance” (Romans 8:24-25).

“The righteous is” delivered by God “from trouble” (Proverbs 11:8). The righteous can come into trouble. We can think of oppressive, confining situations that limit his freedom and cause him anxiety. Wicked people can make life very troublesome for him. But God ensures that he does not perish and will deliver him from it.

What afflicts “the wicked” is opposite, and in a remarkable way. The wicked not only receives a deserved punishment, but he is given the place into which he himself first brought the righteous. The roles are reversed. A clear example of this is Haman being hanged in Mordecai’s place (Esther 7:10; Esther 9:1). With the men thrown into the lion’s den in Daniel’s place, we see the same thing (Daniel 6:24-25). This reversal of roles will also take place when the Lord Jesus appears. The believers will then be delivered from tribulation, and the wicked will come into tribulation (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

Ecclesiastes 2:24

The Fate of the Wicked

As for “a wicked man”, the moment he dies his “expectation will perish” (Proverbs 11:7; Psalms 49:16-20). This verse speaks of a great tragedy associated with the expectation that the wicked man believes he has. Any hope of longevity or success will end in disillusionment because that expectation is anchored in reliance on earthly possessions.

He may have had “the hope of strong men” that he would live forever in prosperity, with rock-solid confidence in carrying out his plans, but it all perishes like a vapor when he dies. The Lord Jesus tells of a rich man who dies without God. This man had to leave all his wealth at his death and in the afterlife he did not even have a drop of water to cool his tongue in even the slightest way (Luke 16:19-31).

What grace that the believer may have a certain hope, a hope that when he dies does not perish, but rather is fulfilled. The believer’s hope is a certainty; it is a hope that does not fail (Hebrews 11:1; Romans 5:5). Therefore, he hopes “with perseverance” (Romans 8:24-25).

“The righteous is” delivered by God “from trouble” (Proverbs 11:8). The righteous can come into trouble. We can think of oppressive, confining situations that limit his freedom and cause him anxiety. Wicked people can make life very troublesome for him. But God ensures that he does not perish and will deliver him from it.

What afflicts “the wicked” is opposite, and in a remarkable way. The wicked not only receives a deserved punishment, but he is given the place into which he himself first brought the righteous. The roles are reversed. A clear example of this is Haman being hanged in Mordecai’s place (Esther 7:10; Esther 9:1). With the men thrown into the lion’s den in Daniel’s place, we see the same thing (Daniel 6:24-25). This reversal of roles will also take place when the Lord Jesus appears. The believers will then be delivered from tribulation, and the wicked will come into tribulation (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

Ecclesiastes 2:25

Knowledge Delivers From the Godless Man

“The godless man” is an insincere person. He pretends to be a helpful neighbor, but is an enemy. He is out to “destroy his neighbor” with his mouth, which emphasizes how intensely mean he is. He creates an expectation in his neighbor that he wants to do something for him, that he is seeking good for him. Instead of living up to that expectation, he is out for his destruction. He speaks all kinds of evil about his neighbor in order to give him a bad name. This is called “character murder”. By doing so, he makes his neighbor’s life a torment.

But “the righteous” will not fall prey to his pernicious activity. For they possess “knowledge”. By their knowledge they see through the godless. They see the real intention behind his words; they unmask him and resist him. The mouth of the godless is stopped and the righteous are delivered. The faithful Christian knows by holding fast “the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching” how “to refute the opponents”, by which he “silences them” (Titus 1:9-11).

Ecclesiastes 2:26

The Joy and Exaltation of a City

In Proverbs 11:10-11 it is not about persons, but about “a city”, a community of life. A community of life appreciates it goes well with the righteous, i.e. when they prosper (Proverbs 11:10). The righteous owe their prosperity, their state of prosperity, to their honest dealings, and the city benefits. A city, that is, its citizens, even rejoice in exuberant joy over this (cf. Esther 8:15).

There is also joyful shouting when the wicked perish (2 Kings 11:20). Likewise, there will be rejoicing in heaven when wicked Babylon is destroyed (Revelation 18:20-21; Revelation 19:1-2). In the first case, there is joy over the good influence of the righteous. In the second case, there is rejoicing over the elimination of the pernicious influence of the wicked.

The good influence of the righteous and the bad influence of the wicked on the life of a city are emphasized in Proverbs 11:11. “The upright” pronounce blessing on the city and wish it prosperity. It does not just stop at wishing blessing, but the upright also effect blessing. Thus the city “is exalted”. It acquires a good name; it is pleasant to live and be there. The city becomes attractive.

In contrast to this is the ‘advertising’ that the wicked make for it. They tear down the city to the ground with their words. They do this by speaking negatively about the city, but also by their general language. Out of their mouths comes only curse and filth. Even with neat language, as many politicians usually use, their words conceal falsity and follow a hidden agenda. They present themselves as protectors, but their practice will show that they tear down the city.

We can apply this to the local church of God as a city. If we are upright, we will say good things about the church as a local community and want to be a blessing to it. All who are part of the local church will rejoice in it. People who have no connection with it because they live outside of God will not allow a local church to exist at all. They will spread slander about it and do everything to make it impossible for them to live and meet together. Such people can also be found in the church and do their destructive work by spreading false teachings.