31 There is an appointed time for everything . And there is a time for every event under heaven - 2 A time to give birth and a time to die ; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted . 3 A time to kill and a time to heal ; A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh ; A time to mourn and a time to dance . 5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones ; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing . 6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost ; A time to keep and a time to throw away . 7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together ; A time to be silent and a time to speak . 8 A time to love and a time to hate ; A time for war and a time for peace . 9 What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils ? 10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.
11 He has made everything appropriate in its time . He has also set eternity in their heart , yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
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.
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:11-15
(Read Ecclesiastes 3:11-15)
Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us. We have the world so much in our hearts, are so taken up with thoughts and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time nor spirit to see God's hand in them. The world has not only gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against the beauty of God's works. We mistake if we think we were born for ourselves; no, it is our business to do good in this life, which is short and uncertain; we have but little time to be doing good, therefore we should redeem time. Satisfaction with Divine Providence, is having faith that all things work together for good to them that love him. God doeth all, that men should fear before him. The world, as it has been, is, and will be. There has no change befallen us, nor has any temptation by it taken us, but such as is common to men.