31 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
31 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
31 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
31 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
31 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
31 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
7 He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business.
7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
7 He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.
(Read Acts 1:6-11)
They were earnest in asking about that which their Master never had directed or encouraged them to seek. Our Lord knew that his ascension and the teaching of the Holy Spirit would soon end these expectations, and therefore only gave them a rebuke; but it is a caution to his church in all ages, to take heed of a desire of forbidden knowledge. He had given his disciples instructions for the discharge of their duty, both before his death and since his resurrection, and this knowledge is enough for a Christian. It is enough that He has engaged to give believers strength equal to their trials and services; that under the influence of the Holy Spirit they may, in one way or other, be witnesses for Christ on earth, while in heaven he manages their concerns with perfect wisdom, truth, and love. When we stand gazing and trifling, the thoughts of our Master's second coming should quicken and awaken us: when we stand gazing and trembling, they should comfort and encourage us. May our expectation of it be stedfast and joyful, giving diligence to be found of him blameless.
51 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
51 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
51 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers,
51 I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen.
51 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
51 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you.
(Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5)
It is needless or useless to ask about the particular time of Christ's coming. Christ did not reveal this to the apostles. There are times and seasons for us to work in, and these are our duty and interest to know and observe; but as to the time when we must give up our account, we know it not, nor is it needful that we should. The coming of Christ will be a great surprise to men. Our Lord himself said so. As the hour of death is the same to each person that the judgment will be to mankind in general, so the same remarks answer for both. Christ's coming will be terrible to the ungodly. Their destruction will overtake them while they dream of happiness, and please themselves with vain amusements. There will be no means to escape the terror or the punishment of that day. This day will be a happy day to the righteous. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light. It is the happy condition of all true Christians. But how many are speaking peace and safety to themselves, over whose heads utter destruction is hovering! Let us endeavour to awaken ourselves and each other, and guard against our spiritual enemies.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:1
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:1-10
(Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-10)
To expect unchanging happiness in a changing world, must end in disappointment. To bring ourselves to our state in life, is our duty and wisdom in this world. God's whole plan for the government of the world will be found altogether wise, just, and good. Then let us seize the favourable opportunity for every good purpose and work. The time to die is fast approaching. Thus labour and sorrow fill the world. This is given us, that we may always have something to do; none were sent into the world to be idle.