fools = fat, inert. Hebrew. kesil. Same word as in verses: Ecclesiastes 7:5 , Ecclesiastes 7:6 , Ecclesiastes 7:9 , Ecclesiastes 7:25 ("folly"). Not the same as "foolish "(Ecclesiastes 7:17 ), or "foolishness", Ecclesiastes 7:25 . See note on "poverty", Proverbs 1:7 .
Wisdom. Hebrew. chakmah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .
with, &c. = like, or as. See Ecclesiastes 2:16 ; Ecclesiastes 8:1 .Genesis 18:23 , Genesis 18:25 . Render:"Wisdom [is as] good as riches, and more advantageous to them that see the sun".
Be not over much wicked = Be not very wicked: i.e. Be not wicked at all. For violation of nature's laws surely end in premature death.
foolish = stupid. Hebrew. sakal; not the same word as in verses: Ecclesiastes 4:5 , Ecclesiastes 4:6 , Ecclesiastes 4:9 , Ecc 4:25 ("folly"). See note on Proverbs 1:7 .
Lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . Same as "Behold" in Ecclesiastes 7:27 .
they = mankind: not merely the above classes. This verse is admittedly the inspired truth of God: so therefore are the other statements in this book. Moreover, "they" is emphatic.
Verse 1
name . . . ointment. Note the Figure of speech Paronomasia ( App-6 ), " shem mishshemen".
better. See note on Ecclesiastes 2:24 .
precious = good. Same word as "good" at the beginning of the sentence.
Verse 2
the end. Hebrew. soph . See note on Ecclesiastes 3:11 .
men. Hebrew. 'addm (with Art.) = mankind. App-14 . See note on Ecclesiastes 1:13 .
Verse 4
fools = fat, inert. Hebrew. kesil. Same word as in verses: Ecclesiastes 7:5 , Ecclesiastes 7:6 , Ecclesiastes 7:9 , Ecclesiastes 7:25 ("folly"). Not the same as "foolish "(Ecclesiastes 7:17 ), or "foolishness", Ecclesiastes 7:25 . See note on "poverty", Proverbs 1:7 .
Verse 6
crackling. Same word as "voice" (Genesis 3:8 ), used of any sound.
thorns . . . pot. Note Figure of speech Paronomasia ( App-6 ). Hebrew. hassirim . . . hassir. May be Englished by "nettles . . . kettles".
vanity. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:2 .
Verse 7
oppression = oppressing: i.e. the act of oppressing.
maketh . . . mad. Referring to the madness of folly.
mad = beyond control. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:17 .
a gift = a bribe.
Verse 11
Wisdom. Hebrew. chakmah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .
with, &c. = like, or as. See Ecclesiastes 2:16 ; Ecclesiastes 8:1 .Genesis 18:23 , Genesis 18:25 . Render:"Wisdom [is as] good as riches, and more advantageous to them that see the sun".
see the sun: i.e. the idiom for "are alive".
Verse 12
life = future life. See note on Leviticus 18:5 .
Verse 13
God. Hebrew. Elohim. (with Art.) = the [true] God: i.e. the Deity. App-4 .
Verse 14
find = discover.
Verse 15
just = righteous.
Verse 16
over much: i.e. depending on the merit of good works.
over wise: i.e. beyond what is necessary.
destroy thyself = make thyself lonely: i.e. forsaken. Compare Job 16:7 .
Verse 17
Be not over much wicked = Be not very wicked: i.e. Be not wicked at all. For violation of nature's laws surely end in premature death.
foolish = stupid. Hebrew. sakal; not the same word as in verses: Ecclesiastes 4:5 , Ecclesiastes 4:6 , Ecclesiastes 4:9 , Ecc 4:25 ("folly"). See note on Proverbs 1:7 .
why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .
Verse 18
come forth of them all = make His way with both.
Verse 19
the wise = a wise man.
Verse 21
curse = revile.
Verse 25
the reason . . . madness = in order to know the reason (or cause) of folly's wickedness, and the madness of folly.
Verse 27
counting, &c. Or, supply the Ellipsis thus: "[considering women] one by one", &c.
account = result.
Verse 28
my soul = I myself. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
seeketh = sought.
Verse 29
Lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . Same as "Behold" in Ecclesiastes 7:27 .
they = mankind: not merely the above classes. This verse is admittedly the inspired truth of God: so therefore are the other statements in this book. Moreover, "they" is emphatic.
inventions = devices.