Ecclesiastes 6:12

“For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life? etc.] To be in a higher or lower station of life, to live in grandeur or meanness, to be rich or poor, learned or unlearned; since that which seems most agreeable to human nature is at, ended with so much vanity, the occasion of so much sin, and often issues in ruin and misery, that no man knows what is best for him; and therefore it is the wisest way to be content with what a man has, and enjoy it in the most comfortable manner, and use it to the best ends and purposes he can. The Targum is, “for who is he that knows what is good for a man in this world, but to study in the law, which is the life of the world?” so the Midrash, all the…”

“For who knoweth, &c.--The ungodly know not what is really "good" during life, nor "what shall be after them," that is, what will be the event of their undertakings (Ecc 3:22; Ecc 8:7). The godly might be tempted to "contend with God" (Ecc 6:10) as to His dispensations; but they cannot fully know the wise purposes served by them now and hereafter. Their sufferings from the oppressors are more really good for them than cloudless prosperity; sinners are being allowed to fill up their measure of guilt. Retribution in part vindicates God's ways even now. The judgment shall make all clear. In Ecc. 7:1-29, he states what is good, in answer to this verse. Next: Ecclesiastes Chapter 7”

“After him - i. e., On earth, in his own present sphere of action, after his departure hence (compare Ecclesiastes 2:19; Ecclesiastes 3:22). return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/ecclesiastes-6.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”

“Who knoweth - No man certainly knows what is better for him here, whether to be high or low, rich or poor. Vain life - Life itself is a vain and uncertain thing, and therefore all things which depend on it must be so too. While - While it abides, hath nothing solid, or substantial in it, and which speedily passes away, and leaves no sign behind it. For - And as no man can be happy with these things while he lives, so he can have no content in leaving them to others, because he knows not either who shall possess them, or how the future owners will use or abuse them. Next: Ecclesiastes Chapter 7”

“6:12 who knows? Who can tell? These questions have already been answered. Our days can best be spent in wise living and in enjoying our work and God’s gifts (2:13-14, 24; 3:22; 5:18). What will happen on this earth is what has already happened (1:9, 10; 3:15). • like a shadow: Cp. Pss 39:4-6; 90:3-6, 10-12; 109:23; 144:4.”

“who knoweth: Ecc 2:3, Ecc 12:13; Psa 4:6, Psa 16:5, Psa 17:15, Psa 47:4; Lam 3:24-27; Mic 6:8 the days of his vain life: Heb. the number of the days of the life of his vanity, Ecc 8:13, Ecc 9:6; Ch1 29:15; Job 8:9, Job 14:2; Psa 39:5, Psa 39:6, Psa 89:47, Psa 90:10-12; Psa 102:11, Psa 109:23, Psa 144:4; Jam 4:14 for who can: Ecc 3:22, Ecc 8:7; Job 14:21 Next: Ecclesiastes Chapter 7”

“Man ought to fear God, and also, without dispute and murmuring, submit to His sway: "For who knoweth what is good for man in life during the number of the days of his vain life, and which he spendeth like a shadow? No one can certainly show a man what shall be after him under the sun." We translate אשׁר only by "ja" ("certainly"), because in Germ. no interrogative can follow "dieweil" ("because"). The clause with asher (as at Ecc 4:9; Ecc 8:11; Ecc 10:15; cf. Song, under Sol 5:2), according to its meaning not different from ki, is related in the way of proof to that beginning with ki. Man is placed in our presence. To be able to say to him what is good for him, - i.e., what position he must…”