14 There is futility which is done on the earth , that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked . On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous . I say that this too is futility . 15 So I commended pleasure , for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except e to eat and to drink and to be merry , and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun . 16 When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep e e day or night ), 17 and I saw every work of God , I concluded that man cannot e discover the work which has been done under the sun . Even though e man should seek laboriously , he will not discover ; and though the wise man should say , "I know ," he cannot e discover .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:14-17
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:14-17
(Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-17)
Faith alone can establish the heart in this mixed scene, where the righteous often suffer, and the wicked prosper. Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun, than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life according to his rank. He would not have us try to give a reason for what God does. But, leaving the Lord to clear up all difficulties in his own time, we may cheerfully enjoy the comforts, and bear up under the trials of life; while peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost will abide in us through all outward changes, and when flesh and heart shall fail.