Ecclesiastes 4 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

I returned — I considered again. Oppressions — Whether by princes, magistrates, or other potent persons. No comforter — None afforded them pity or succour. But they, &c. — No comfort therein.

I praised — I judged them less miserable. For this is certain, that setting aside the future life, which Solomon doth not meddle with in the present debate; and considering the uncertainty, and vanity, and manifold calamities of the present life, a wise man would not account it worth his while to live.

Better is he — Who was never born. Not seen — Not felt: for as seeing good is put for enjoying it, so seeing evil is put for suffering it.

Right work — All the worthy designs of virtuous men. Envied — Instead of honour, he meets with envy and obloquy.

The fool — Is careless and idle: perceiving that diligence is attended with envy, he runs into the other extreme. Eateth — Wastes his substance, and brings himself to poverty, whereby his very flesh pines away for want of bread.

Better — These are the words of the sluggard, making this apology for his idleness, That his little with ease, is better than great riches got with much trouble.

Alone — Who has none but himself to care for. Brother — To whom he may leave his vast estate. Yet — He lives in perpetual restlessness and toil. For whom — Having no kindred to enjoy it. And bereave — Deny myself those comforts and conveniences which God hath allowed me? A sore travel — A dreadful judgment, as well as a great sin.

Two — Who live together in any kind of society. Because — Both have great benefit by such conjunction, whereby they support, encourage, and strengthen one another.

They — One of them. Fall — Into any mistake, or sin, or danger.

Prevail — Against either of them.

Better — More happy. Now he proceeds to another vanity, That of honour and power. Than a king — Who hath neither wisdom to govern himself, nor to receive the counsels of wiser men.

For he — The poor and wise child is often advanced to the highest dignity. Whereas — That old king is deprived of his kingdom.

I considered — The general disposition of common people, in all kingdoms, that they are fickle and inconstant. With the second child — This may be understood of the king's child, or son and heir, called second, in respect of his father, whose successor he is. Stand up — Arise to reign.

No end — This humour of the common people hath no end, but passes from one generation to another. Before them — Before the present generation. And so here are three generations of people noted, the authors of the present change, and their parents, and their children; and all are observed to have the same inclinations. In him — They shall be as weary of the successor, though a wise and worthy prince, as their parents were of his foolish predecessor.