Ecclesiastes 12:4 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

In — Or, towards the streets: which lead into the streets. This may be understood either of the outward senses, which, as doors, let in outward objects to the soul: or rather the mouth, the two lips, here expressed by a word of the dual number, which like a door, open or shut the way that leads into the streets or common passages of the body; which also are principal instruments both of speaking and eating. And these are said to be shut, not absolutely, but comparatively, because men in old age grow dull and listless, having little appetite to eat, and are very frequently indisposed for discourse. When the sound — When the teeth are loose and few, whereby both his speech is low, and the noise which he makes in eating is but small. Shall rise — From his bed, being weary with lying, and unable to get sleep. The bird — As soon as the birds begin to chirp, which is early in the morning, whereas young men, can lie and sleep long. The daughters — All those senses which are employed in music. Brought low — Shall be cast down from their former excellency, and become incapable either of making musick, or of delighting in it.