Ecclesiastes 11:7,8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

Truly, the light is sweet It cannot be denied, that this present life is in itself a great blessing, and desirable; but it is not perpetual nor satisfactory: for, if a man live many years Which is a privilege granted but to few persons comparatively; and rejoice in them all Enjoy all the comforts, and escape all the imbitterness of human life all his days; yet let him remember the days of darkness Of death, or the state of the dead, often expressed by darkness, as Job 10:21; Psalms 88:12; and here opposed to the foregoing light: for they shall be many Far more than the days of this short life, especially if, to the days of the body's lying in the dark grave, be added that greater and utter darkness reserved for impenitent sinners, which is everlasting. And this is added, for the caution of mankind, that they may not rejoice excessively in, nor content themselves with, the happiness of the present life, but may seek a life more durable and satisfactory. All that cometh is vanity All things which befall any man belonging only to this life, whether they be comfortable or vexatious, are but vain and inconsiderable, because they are short and transitory.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.