And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. (17) I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. (18) I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. (19) For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. (20) All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. (21) Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (22) Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
We have here a very solemn but just description of the state of man upon earth: and a suitable reflection made upon it, from the common event, which takes place on the mere animal life, both of man and beast. And hence, the preacher draws a fine picture, in proof of the corrupt, and frequently mistaken judgment, among men, to confirm the certainty of the divine administration. Here, indeed, opens a large scope for meditation, amidst all the various sorrows which spring out of oppression, and unjust judgment, to take comfort in the righteous government of God. What Solomon said, the breast of every enlightened mind loudly bears testimony to; God shall judge the righteous and the wicked. And oh! Reader, how additionally blessed is the thought, that He, who is the appointed judge of quick and dead, is Jesus. John 5:27; John 5:27; Acts 17:31.