Ecclesiastes 7

Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good reputation is of more advantage for rendering us useful and happy than all the riches, pleasures, and honours, of this world: and the day of death, which frees men from the miseries of this world, is preferable to the day of birth, which introduces into a life in which the enjoyments do not sufficiently balance the evils of it

Ecclesiastes 7:2-6

It is far safer, and more profitable, to attend occasions of mourning and faithful reproof, which conduce to make men thoughtful of death and eternity, and render them wise unto salvation, than of revelling, mirth, and folly, which seduce men into heedless dissipation

Ecclesiastes 7:7

Grievous oppression will provoke even wise men to unseemly rage and behaviour; and bribes received will corrupt the judgment and pervert the affections of the best

Ecclesiastes 7:8

We ought more to regard how a thing turns out at last than what promising appearances it has at first

Ecclesiastes 7:10

In bewailing the evils of our times, we ought carefully to avoid all murmuring at the dispensations of Providence, as if they were not equal

Ecclesiastes 7:11

When rich men are truly wise, they may do much good to others with their wealth in this world: 12. For both 2 wisdom and wealth may be laid out for our protection and safety; but it is true piety and prudence that promote spiritual comfort and eternal happiness. 13, 14. To prevent murmuring, we ought carefully to observe how wise, just, and powerful, God’s operations are, and consider ourselves incapable of changing, even the most afflictive events of Providence, to our liking. In the time of prosperity we should therefore acknowledge God’s goodness, and enjoy the benefit of it; and in the day of adversity we ought to consider the nature, author, and end, of our afflictions, so as to make a good use of them; for God has disposed them in such variety, that none might be able to foresee future events in his particular lot

Ecclesiastes 7:15

I have often observed the most pious men sorely afflicted, and apparently miserable, in this world; and the most wicked long enjoy an outward prosperity

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18

It is therefore necessary that men should avoid all needless scrupulosity and rash zeal, not warranted by God’s word, lest it bring them into unnecessary troubles; and especially should we avoid with the utmost care presumptuous sinning, lest, however he bear with others, it should provoke God quickly to cut us off, and send us to hell in our wickedness. It is of great use to receive heartily, and practise carefully, this advice; for it is the true fear of God, who, by a circumspect regard to his law, shall escape both the extremes and their evil consequences. 19, 20. True piety and prudence tend more to direct, help, and protect, men than all human help: even though the best are liable to manifold failings

Ecclesiastes 7:24

Human wisdom may judge of things present and obvious, but not of things future and mysterious

Ecclesiastes 7:25

I attempted a most careful and comprehensive search into God’s providences, and men’s counsels, conduct and sinfulness

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And with grief and shame, I find that nothing more effectually entices and fixes men in guilt and ruin than a whorish woman. It is only by the remarkable mercy of God, and the most earnest and watchful piety, that one can either avoid or escape from her temptations, and often God permits those, who have otherwise offended him, to be ruined by her influence. 27, 28. Here and there a truly honest man may be found among my courtiers: but a modest, plain-hearted, humble, and sincere, woman have I not found among all my thousand wives and concubines

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—A truly good character is very valuable: and ought to be sought for and maintained with the greatest care. Happy is the death of those who die in the Lord! Let us then live much in the serious consideration of our last end. Christian reproofs are highly requisite to make or keep us grave and serious amidst so much folly and so many flashes of vain mirth as take place in the world. The very worst of things effectually work for the good of the saints. And an humble and patient resignation to the will of God makes us easy under the most grievous adversity and oppression. Christian wisdom and prudence tend greatly to our direction, safety, happiness and strength.—They teach us to view God’s hand in all that befalls us; to accommodate ourselves to every providence as it comes; and neither to be offended with the prosperity of the wicked, nor the adversity of the godly, in this life; to guard against all extremes; and under a deep sense of our own faults, to carry ourselves mildly towards others who are overtaken in a fault. How short-sighted are the wisest of mortals with respect to the most important objects! But great is the mercy if they are brought to see their own leading follies and crimes, and by the sight thereof, are led to repentance, to a deep sense of the riches of God’s grace, and to search out the sinfulness of their heart and nature, till they apprehend themselves utterly vile before God