Ecclesiastes 9:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Knoweth not his times - namely, of death (Isaiah 13:22). Hence, the danger of delay in 'doing the work of God,' as one knows not when his opportunity will end (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Evil net - fatal to them. The unexpected suddenness of the capture is the point of comparison. So the second coming of Jesus Christ, "as a snare" (Luke 21:35).

Evil time - as an "evil net," fatal to them. This comforts God's people when afflicted by enemies. These foes, strong as they seem now, shall suddenly be caught in the meshes of destruction.

Ecclesiastes 9:12

12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.