Bible Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and to each other. Being thus hardly used, men are tempted to hate and despise life.

But a good man, though badly off while in this world, cannot have cause to wish he had never been born, since he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy at last, for ever happy. Ungodly men have most cause to wish the continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins.

If human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions here below.

Recommended reading

More for Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryThe Prevalence of OppressionTHE PREVALENCE OF OPPRESSION. Solomon had a large soul (1 Kings 4:29) and it appeared by this, among other things, that he had a very tender concern for the miserable part of mankind and took cognizance of the afflictio…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:1-16EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:1So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun. This is equivalent to, "again I saw," as Ecclesiastes 4:7, with a reference to the wickedness in the place of judgment which he had noticed…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:1-3First of all, he adduces the oppression of man by his fellow-man.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:1-16Section 5. Koheleth proceeds to give further illustrations of man's inability to be the architect of his own happiness. There are many things which interrupt or destroy it.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:2In view of these patent wrongs Koheleth loses all enjoyment of life. Wherefore (and) I praised the dead which are already dead; or, who died long ago, and thus have escaped the miseries which they would have had to endu…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:3Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been. Thus we have Job's passionate appeal (Job 3:11), "Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came forth," etc.? And in the Greek poets…Joseph S. Exell and contributors