Ecclesiastes 3
SIBEcclesiastes 3:1-11
However disjointed, useless, and afflictive, the events of providence may appear to us, God has connected them together in the most amazing beauty and harmony, and orders the season of each as tends most to advance his glory and the good of his people. And, whatever worldly wisdom men may have, they will never be capable of comprehending the astonishing extent of the mysteries which God exhibits to their view in his works of creation and providence. 12, 13. It is therefore best in itself, and a benefit from God, to use worldly enjoyments moderately, and to improve them for the advantage of others
Ecclesiastes 3:14
God, in his purpose and providence, so fixes men’s lot that none can make it otherwise; and therefore we ought not to quarrel with, but kindly submit to, his pleasure
Ecclesiastes 3:15
In every age God, by new returns of things, governs the world with great uniformity of appearances. 16, 17. The very power which he has bestowed upon men, as a remedy for grievances, is often used to oppress and injure the innocent; and therefore there must be a future general judgment by God himself, in which all things shall be rectified, by clearing the innocent, rewarding the righteous, and condemning the wicked
Ecclesiastes 3:18-21
Affected with these views, I wished that God would make men, particularly those who haughtily oppress others, to consider how mean and brutish they are, and to ponder the nature of that immortal soul which chiefly distinguishes them from beasts, whose life entirely vanishes in death
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—We live in a world of changes; but all of them fixed by the unchangeable purpose of God. It is absurd then to choose it for our portion, or to take up our rest in it. Readily should we believe that whatever God has given us is best for us, accommodate ourselves to it, and wait with patience for the full unravelling of what seems intricate and perplexed. Yea to be entirely satisfied with God’s providential disposals is highly necessary, as they neither can, nor need be altered. And let us study to answer his end in his providences, which is to make us truly religious. Amidst all the changes which we either feel or fear, let us believe and acknowledge the inviolable steadiness of his government. Let us constantly live in the faith of his future judgment of the world, that no oppression may sink our spirits, and no power nor honour render us proud, mischievous, or impious. Let us always maintain a deep sense of our own meanness, stupidity, and unruliness before God; and study to use whatever God gives us for our own comfort, and for the real benefit of others