Ecclesiastes 6

Ecclesiastes 6:1

Riches - Riches enable a man to redeem his life when it is in greatest danger, and poverty preserves a man from many injuries. Because they are cautious, that they may not provoke others; and because they are esteemed objects of pity.

Ecclesiastes 6:2

The light - The prosperity. Rejoiceth - Shines with a pleasant and constant brightness. Rejoicing is here ascribed to the light, as it is to the sun, Psal 19:5, metaphorically. Put out - Their felicity shall have a hidden end.

Ecclesiastes 6:3

Pride - It is chiefly, pride which blows up the coals of contention. Well - advised - Who are not governed by their passions, but by prudent considerations. Wisdom - Which teaches them to avoid contention.

Ecclesiastes 6:4

Vanity - By wicked practices.

Ecclesiastes 6:5

Hope deferred - Delays in obtaining what a man passionately desires. The desire - The good desired. A tree of life - It is satisfactory, and reviving.

Ecclesiastes 6:6

The word - The word of God.

Ecclesiastes 6:7

The law - The instruction, or counsel; as the word law, is frequently understood in scripture.

Ecclesiastes 6:8

Giveth - Makes a man acceptable to God. Rough - Offensive and hateful to God and men, as rough ways are to a traveller.

Ecclesiastes 6:9

Knowledge - Considerately and discreetly. Layeth open - By his foolish actions.

Ecclesiastes 6:10

A messenger - Who is unfaithful in the execution of that which is committed to his charge. Is health - Procures benefit, as to his master, so to himself.

Ecclesiastes 6:12

Sweet - Whatsoever men earnestly desire, the enjoyment of it is sweet to them; therefore sinners rejoice in the satisfaction of their sinful lusts, and abhor all restraint of them.