Ecclesiastes 3:14
Verse
Context
God’s Works Remain Forever
13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.14I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.15What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.
Sermons
Bill McLeodBill McLeodBill McLeodBill McLeod
Don CurrinSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"Thus I discerned it then, that all that God will do exists for ever; nothing is to be added to it, and nothing taken from it: God has thus directed it, that men should fear before Him." This is a conclusion derived from the facts of experience, a truth that is valid for the present and for the time to come. We may with equal correctness render by quidquid facit and quidquid faciet. But the pred. shows that the fut. expression is also thought of as fut.; for הוּ יה לע does not mean: that is for ever (Hitz.), which would be expressed by the subst. clause הוּא לעולם; but: that shall be for ever (Zck.), i.e., will always assert its validity. That which is affirmed here is true of God's directing and guiding events in the natural world, as well as of the announcements of His will and His controlling and directing providence in the history of human affairs. All this is removed beyond the power of the creature to alter it. The meaning is not that one ought not to add to or to take from it (Deu 13:1; Pro 30:6), but that such a thing cannot be done (vid., Sir. 18:5). And this unchangeableness characterizing the arrangements of God has this as its aim, that men should fear Him who is the All-conditioning and is Himself unconditioned: he has done it that they (men) should fear before Him, אשׂה שׁ, fecit ut; cf. Eze 36:27. ποιεῖν ἳνα, Rev 13:15; and "fear before Him," as at Ecc 8:12.; cf. Ch1 16:30 with Psa 96:9. The unchangeableness of God's action shows itself in this, that in the course of history similar phenomena repeat themselves; for the fundamental principles, the causal connections, the norms of God's government, remain always the same.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Sa1 3:12; Sa2 23:5; Psa 89:34; Mat 24:35; Jam 1:17). for ever--as opposed to man's perishing labors (Ecc 2:15-18). any thing taken from it--opposed to man's "crooked and wanting" works (Ecc 1:15; Ecc 7:13). The event of man's labors depends wholly on God's immutable purpose. Man's part, therefore, is to do and enjoy every earthly thing in its proper season (Ecc 3:12-13), not setting aside God's order, but observing deep reverence towards God; for the mysteriousness and unchangeableness of God's purposes are designed to lead "man to fear before Him." Man knows not the event of each act: otherwise he would think himself independent of God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever,.... Which some, as Jarchi, understand of the works of creation, the heavens and the earth, which are however of long standing and duration; and though they shall be dissolved and perish, as to their form and quality, yet not as to the substance of them: the earth particularly is said to abide for ever, Ecc 1:4; the sun and moon, and stars, keep their course or station; and the several seasons of the year have their constant revolution, and shall as long as the earth endures; see Gen 8:22; the several kinds of creatures God has made, in the earth, air, and sea, though the individuals die, their species remain; and man, the chief of creatures, though he dies, shall live again, and live for ever; so the Arabic version, "I have learned that all the creatures which God hath made shall perpetually remain in the same order and condition:'' though Abarbinel (o) interprets this of the continuance of the world for a certain time, and then of the destruction of it; which he thinks is supported by Ecc 3:15, and which is to be understood of the creation of one world after another; and that which is past he explains of the world that is destroyed. But rather this is to be understood of the decrees of God, which are his works "ad intra"; the thoughts of his heart, that are to all generations; the counsel of his will, which always stands, and is performed; his mind, which is one, the same always, and invariable, and which he never changes; his pleasure he always does; his purposes and appointments, which are always accomplished, never frustrated and made void: for he is all wise in forming them, all knowing, and sees the end from the beginning, so that nothing unforeseen can turn up to hinder the execution of them; he is unchangeable, and never alters his will; and all powerful, able to effect his great designs; and faithful and true, cannot deny himself, nor ever lie nor repent. To this sense is the Targum, "I know, by a spirit of prophecy, that all which the Lord does in the world, whether good or evil, after it is decreed from his mouth, it shall be for ever.'' This holds good of all his works, and acts of grace; election of persons to eternal life stands firm, not on the foot of works, but of grace, and has its certain effect; it can never be made void, nor be surer than it is; it will ever take place, and continue in its fruit and consequences: the covenant of grace, as it is made from everlasting, continues to everlasting; its promises never, fail, its blessings are the sure mercies of David: redemption by Christ is eternal; such as are redeemed from sin, Satan, and the law, are ever so, and shall never be brought into bondage to either again: the work of grace upon the heart being begun, shall be performed and perfected; the graces wrought in the soul, as faith, hope, and love, ever remain; the blessings of grace bestowed, as pardon, justification, adoption, and salvation, are never reversed, but ever continue; such as are regenerated, pardoned, justified, adopted, and saved, shall be ever so; and the work of God, as it is durable, so perfect; nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; the works of nature have been finished and perfected from the foundation of the world; the decrees of God are a complete system of his will, according to which he does all things invariably, in providence and grace; the covenant of grace is ordered in all things, and nothing wanting in it; the work of redemption is completely done by Christ, who is a rock, and his work is perfect; and the work of grace on the heart, though at present imperfect, shall be perfected; nor is it in the power of men to add anything to it, nor take anything from it; and God doth it, that men should fear before him; his works of creation being done in so much wisdom, and giving such a display of his power and goodness, command art awe of him in his creatures, Psa 33:6; his works of providence, being all according to his wise purposes and decrees, should be patiently and quietly submitted to; and men should be still, and know that he is God, and humble themselves under his mighty hand: his decrees, respecting the present or future state of men, do not lead to despair, nor to a neglect of means, nor to a dissolute life, but tend to promote the fear of God and true holiness, which they are the source of; and the blessings of grace have a kind influence on the same; particularly the blessing of pardoning grace, which is with God, that he may be feared, Psa 130:4; and one principal part of the work of grace on the heart is the fear of God; and nothing more strongly engages to the whole worship of God, which is often meant by the fear of him, than his grace vouchsafed to men; see Heb 12:28. The Targum refers this to the vengeance of God in the world: and Jarchi, to the unusual phenomena in it; as the flood, the sun's standing still and going backward, and the like. (o) Miphalot Elohim Tract. 8. c. 7. fol. 57. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14 Knowing that whatever God does is final is a reason to fear him—to trust and revere God and respect all that he does.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
God’s Works Remain Forever
13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.14I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.15What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Power in Prevailing Prayer
By Bill McLeod2.1K31:40Prevailing PrayerPSA 37:5ECC 3:14ISA 44:3JHN 15:7COL 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and how he humbles himself to even look at the things happening on earth. He compares the activities of humans on earth to ants running around on an ant hill, stating that it is not very interesting to God. The preacher shares a testimony of a mother who had been praying for years for a miracle in her family, and how her prayers were answered when her children found salvation. The sermon also highlights the importance of perseverance and opportunity in prayer, using a parable from the 11th chapter of Luke to illustrate these concepts.
The Mind of Christ
By Bill McLeod1.7K52:54Mind of ChristPSA 34:19PSA 133:1ECC 3:14PHP 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Christ rather than Satan. He encourages the audience to be willing to be thought of as nothing so that Christ can be thought of as everything. The speaker also discusses the need for unity and peace within the church, emphasizing the importance of striving together for the faith of the gospel. Additionally, he warns against the selfishness and greed that can hinder the work of God, using the analogy of dogs fighting over food. The sermon concludes with a comparison between Jesus, who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, and Satan, who desired to be like the most high God.
Clean Up the Place for God
By Bill McLeod1.3K51:51HolinessECC 3:14MAT 22:39ROM 13:12ROM 13:14EPH 2:12EPH 2:19EPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing true love, which is exemplified by God's love for us. He highlights how often we love for selfish reasons or only those who love us back. The speaker shares a story about a missionary who deeply missed his friends and emphasizes the need to love sacrificially. The sermon also discusses the power of prayer and shares examples of individuals who faced challenges in their ministry but persevered through prayer and reliance on God. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their hearts and remove any sinful behaviors or attitudes that grieve the Holy Spirit, in order to experience true victory and intimacy with God.
Filled With the Lord of Christ
By Bill McLeod1.3K48:00Spirit Of ChristJOB 11:7ECC 3:14MAT 16:25JHN 15:16EPH 3:171TH 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of forgiveness and the importance of forgiving others. He uses the analogy of a drop of water in a bucket to illustrate how insignificant our sins are compared to God's forgiveness. The preacher shares a story about a woman who survived a brutal attack during the Cultural Revolution in China and later discovered that the person who led the attack was living nearby. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a man struggling with pornography addiction and his reluctance to address it. The preacher challenges him to confront his sin and reminds him of the impact it has on his relationship with Jesus.
All Things New
By Don Currin64447:06Christian LifePSA 37:28PSA 97:10PRO 2:8ECC 3:14ACT 20:242CO 5:172TI 2:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Zacchaeus and how his encounter with Jesus led to a transformation in his life. Zacchaeus, a deceitful tax collector, climbed a tree to see Jesus, and when Jesus called him down, Zacchaeus promised to restore fourfold anything he had taken dishonestly. Jesus declared salvation had come to Zacchaeus' house. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not being deceived and highlights the need for a genuine love for Christ as the driving force in times of adversity. The sermon also emphasizes that knowing Christ as Savior brings about a new purpose for living, where believers no longer live for themselves but for Him.
Of Christ's Blessing His People as a Priest.
By John Gill0Christ's PriesthoodDivine BlessingsGEN 22:18NUM 6:24PSA 32:1ECC 3:14MAT 25:34JHN 17:2ACT 3:25ROM 9:5EPH 1:3HEB 7:6John Gill expounds on Christ's role as a priest who blesses His people, emphasizing that unlike the Old Testament priests who could only pray for blessings, Christ actively confers them. He illustrates that this blessing was promised to Abraham and prefigured in Melchizedek, highlighting that Christ's blessings encompass justification, adoption, and eternal life. Gill asserts that these blessings are not only spiritual but also eternal and irrevocable, secured in the covenant of grace. He emphasizes that all who are chosen and given to Christ are recipients of these blessings, which are rooted in His divine nature and mediatorial role. Ultimately, Christ's blessings are comprehensive, addressing both the spiritual and eternal needs of His people.
The Changing External and the Unchanging Internal
By A.W. Tozer0Human NatureTimelessness of GodECC 3:14ROM 12:2HEB 13:8JAS 1:171PE 1:24A.W. Tozer emphasizes the contrast between the rapidly changing external world and the unchanging nature of humanity's inner self. He reflects on how Jesus lived in a time devoid of modern conveniences and technology, yet the people of that era were just as real and complex as we are today. Tozer argues that while our surroundings and lifestyles have evolved dramatically, the fundamental aspects of human nature remain constant. This serves as a reminder that despite external changes, our inner struggles, desires, and relationships with God are timeless. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper understanding of our unchanging internal selves amidst a changing world.
The New Quest and Law of Life. 7:1-29
By W.J. Erdman0PRO 4:7ECC 3:14ECC 7:16ECC 7:20ECC 7:26ECC 7:29ECC 8:12ECC 12:13In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher embarks on a new quest to discover 'the Good' in a high law for life under the sun, possibly found in the fear of God. He seeks wisdom as the means to find the Chief Good, balancing the better and worse things in life to find the 'golden mean.' The Preacher cautions against extremes, advocating for prudence and moderation in all things, even in righteousness. He addresses the contradictions in the treatment of the righteous and the wicked, advising against self-righteousness and excessive wickedness, emphasizing the importance of finding the safe mean and living in the fear of God.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"Thus I discerned it then, that all that God will do exists for ever; nothing is to be added to it, and nothing taken from it: God has thus directed it, that men should fear before Him." This is a conclusion derived from the facts of experience, a truth that is valid for the present and for the time to come. We may with equal correctness render by quidquid facit and quidquid faciet. But the pred. shows that the fut. expression is also thought of as fut.; for הוּ יה לע does not mean: that is for ever (Hitz.), which would be expressed by the subst. clause הוּא לעולם; but: that shall be for ever (Zck.), i.e., will always assert its validity. That which is affirmed here is true of God's directing and guiding events in the natural world, as well as of the announcements of His will and His controlling and directing providence in the history of human affairs. All this is removed beyond the power of the creature to alter it. The meaning is not that one ought not to add to or to take from it (Deu 13:1; Pro 30:6), but that such a thing cannot be done (vid., Sir. 18:5). And this unchangeableness characterizing the arrangements of God has this as its aim, that men should fear Him who is the All-conditioning and is Himself unconditioned: he has done it that they (men) should fear before Him, אשׂה שׁ, fecit ut; cf. Eze 36:27. ποιεῖν ἳνα, Rev 13:15; and "fear before Him," as at Ecc 8:12.; cf. Ch1 16:30 with Psa 96:9. The unchangeableness of God's action shows itself in this, that in the course of history similar phenomena repeat themselves; for the fundamental principles, the causal connections, the norms of God's government, remain always the same.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Sa1 3:12; Sa2 23:5; Psa 89:34; Mat 24:35; Jam 1:17). for ever--as opposed to man's perishing labors (Ecc 2:15-18). any thing taken from it--opposed to man's "crooked and wanting" works (Ecc 1:15; Ecc 7:13). The event of man's labors depends wholly on God's immutable purpose. Man's part, therefore, is to do and enjoy every earthly thing in its proper season (Ecc 3:12-13), not setting aside God's order, but observing deep reverence towards God; for the mysteriousness and unchangeableness of God's purposes are designed to lead "man to fear before Him." Man knows not the event of each act: otherwise he would think himself independent of God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever,.... Which some, as Jarchi, understand of the works of creation, the heavens and the earth, which are however of long standing and duration; and though they shall be dissolved and perish, as to their form and quality, yet not as to the substance of them: the earth particularly is said to abide for ever, Ecc 1:4; the sun and moon, and stars, keep their course or station; and the several seasons of the year have their constant revolution, and shall as long as the earth endures; see Gen 8:22; the several kinds of creatures God has made, in the earth, air, and sea, though the individuals die, their species remain; and man, the chief of creatures, though he dies, shall live again, and live for ever; so the Arabic version, "I have learned that all the creatures which God hath made shall perpetually remain in the same order and condition:'' though Abarbinel (o) interprets this of the continuance of the world for a certain time, and then of the destruction of it; which he thinks is supported by Ecc 3:15, and which is to be understood of the creation of one world after another; and that which is past he explains of the world that is destroyed. But rather this is to be understood of the decrees of God, which are his works "ad intra"; the thoughts of his heart, that are to all generations; the counsel of his will, which always stands, and is performed; his mind, which is one, the same always, and invariable, and which he never changes; his pleasure he always does; his purposes and appointments, which are always accomplished, never frustrated and made void: for he is all wise in forming them, all knowing, and sees the end from the beginning, so that nothing unforeseen can turn up to hinder the execution of them; he is unchangeable, and never alters his will; and all powerful, able to effect his great designs; and faithful and true, cannot deny himself, nor ever lie nor repent. To this sense is the Targum, "I know, by a spirit of prophecy, that all which the Lord does in the world, whether good or evil, after it is decreed from his mouth, it shall be for ever.'' This holds good of all his works, and acts of grace; election of persons to eternal life stands firm, not on the foot of works, but of grace, and has its certain effect; it can never be made void, nor be surer than it is; it will ever take place, and continue in its fruit and consequences: the covenant of grace, as it is made from everlasting, continues to everlasting; its promises never, fail, its blessings are the sure mercies of David: redemption by Christ is eternal; such as are redeemed from sin, Satan, and the law, are ever so, and shall never be brought into bondage to either again: the work of grace upon the heart being begun, shall be performed and perfected; the graces wrought in the soul, as faith, hope, and love, ever remain; the blessings of grace bestowed, as pardon, justification, adoption, and salvation, are never reversed, but ever continue; such as are regenerated, pardoned, justified, adopted, and saved, shall be ever so; and the work of God, as it is durable, so perfect; nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; the works of nature have been finished and perfected from the foundation of the world; the decrees of God are a complete system of his will, according to which he does all things invariably, in providence and grace; the covenant of grace is ordered in all things, and nothing wanting in it; the work of redemption is completely done by Christ, who is a rock, and his work is perfect; and the work of grace on the heart, though at present imperfect, shall be perfected; nor is it in the power of men to add anything to it, nor take anything from it; and God doth it, that men should fear before him; his works of creation being done in so much wisdom, and giving such a display of his power and goodness, command art awe of him in his creatures, Psa 33:6; his works of providence, being all according to his wise purposes and decrees, should be patiently and quietly submitted to; and men should be still, and know that he is God, and humble themselves under his mighty hand: his decrees, respecting the present or future state of men, do not lead to despair, nor to a neglect of means, nor to a dissolute life, but tend to promote the fear of God and true holiness, which they are the source of; and the blessings of grace have a kind influence on the same; particularly the blessing of pardoning grace, which is with God, that he may be feared, Psa 130:4; and one principal part of the work of grace on the heart is the fear of God; and nothing more strongly engages to the whole worship of God, which is often meant by the fear of him, than his grace vouchsafed to men; see Heb 12:28. The Targum refers this to the vengeance of God in the world: and Jarchi, to the unusual phenomena in it; as the flood, the sun's standing still and going backward, and the like. (o) Miphalot Elohim Tract. 8. c. 7. fol. 57. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14 Knowing that whatever God does is final is a reason to fear him—to trust and revere God and respect all that he does.