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By Elizabeth Prata
As for these days of toil and hardness, "Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this." (Ecclesiastes 7:10.) Clarke's Commentary on this verse from old King Solomon states, "The former days were better than these? - This is a common saying; and it is as foolish as it is common. There is no weight nor truth in it; but men use it to excuse their crimes, and the folly of their conduct. "In former times, say they, men might be more religious, use more self-denial, be more exemplary." This is all false. In former days men were wicked as they are now, and religion was unfashionable: God also is the same now as he was then; as just, as merciful, as ready to help."
"He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." (Ecc 5:20)
As for these days of toil and hardness, "Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this." (Ecclesiastes 7:10.) Clarke's Commentary on this verse from old King Solomon states, "The former days were better than these? - This is a common saying; and it is as foolish as it is common. There is no weight nor truth in it; but men use it to excuse their crimes, and the folly of their conduct. "In former times, say they, men might be more religious, use more self-denial, be more exemplary." This is all false. In former days men were wicked as they are now, and religion was unfashionable: God also is the same now as he was then; as just, as merciful, as ready to help."
Matthew Henry explained: "It is folly to complain of the badness of our own times when we have more reason to complain of the badness of our own hearts (if men's hearts were better, the times would mend) and when we have more reason to be thankful that they are not worse, but that even in the worst of times we enjoy many mercies, which help to make them not only tolerable, but comfortable."Amen to that! Enjoy your days under the sun, innocence of children and beauty of fall foliage. Be thankful for toil and the gladness of heart that knowing Jesus brings. As a final piece of wisdom from Ecclesiastes,
"He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." (Ecc 5:20)
It's interesting that you included "the innocence of children" in your list of things to enjoy. I not only have enjoyed that immensely with my own sons, but have treasured it and grieved its passing. Just this morning I was reading Proverbs 7 to my 16 year old son and regretted its relevance to his near-manhood.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about something along the lines of the innocence of children for a while now and wonder what your thoughts on it would be. Lately I've seen several videos of beautiful, precocious, precious little toddlers lying to their parents about their misdeeds and believers thinking it's funny. I just can't agree that sin is funny, even in a toddler. Do you agree, or am I just getting to be an old fogey?
Hi Grace To You,
ReplyDeleteI agree, there is a certain point that when children pass it, they are no longer innocent (seeming).
I qualified that because we know all humans are inherently sinful, babies included. We don't have to teach them to lie or to say NO. Just look at all the laughter and applause on America's Funniest Home Videos programs, kids lying thru their teeth that they didn't write on the wall, while holding the marker in their hand. Or that they didn't eat the cookies when the chocolate' smeared all over their face.
Childrena ren't innocent before God, we all stand guilty. Innocent in the general terms, like for example, a sleeping baby. They seem so perfect and innocent and guileless and without blot or stain. Or children laughing at a play park, swinging or on the jungle gym. I guess carefree as a synonym for innocent.
So you don't think toddlers lying is funny either? Even though they're beautiful and smart and precious?
ReplyDeleteLOL, nope. So sad that mischief, lying, disobedience can actually be prize winning behaviors in America!
ReplyDelete