Eclesiastés 3:5-15

5 tiempo de esparcir las piedras, y tiempo de allegar las piedras; tiempo de abrazar, y tiempo de alejarse de abrazar;

6 tiempo de buscar, y tiempo de perder; tiempo de guardar, y tiempo de desechar;

7 tiempo de romper, y tiempo de coser; tiempo de callar, y tiempo de hablar;

8 tiempo de amar, y tiempo de aborrecer; tiempo de guerra, y tiempo de paz.

9 ¿Qué provecho tiene el que trabaja en lo que trabaja?

10 Yo he visto la ocupación que Dios ha dado a los hijos de los hombres para que en ella se ocupasen.

11 Todo lo hizo hermoso en su tiempo; y aun el mundo les entregó a su voluntad, de tal manera que no alcance el hombre esta obra de Dios desde el principio hasta el fin.

12 Yo he conocido que no hay mejor para ellos, que alegrarse, y hacer bien en su vida.

13 Y también he conocido que es don de Dios que todo hombre coma y beba, y goce el bien de todo su trabajo.

14 He entendido que todo lo que Dios hace, esto será perpetuo; sobre aquello no se añadirá, ni de ello se disminuirá; porque Dios lo hace, para que delante de él teman los hombres .

15 Aquello que fue, ya es: y lo que será, fue ya; y Dios buscará lo que pasó.

Eclesiastés 3:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 3

The general design of this chapter is to confirm what is before observed, the vanity and inconstancy of all things; the frailty of man, and changes respecting him; his fruitless toil and labour in all his works; that it is best to be content with present things, and cheerful in them, and thankful for them; that all comes from the hand of God; that such good men, who have not at present that joy that others have, may have it, since there is a time for it; and that sinners should not please themselves with riches gathered by them, since they may be soon taken from them, for there is a time for everything, Ec 3:1; of which there is an induction of particulars, Ec 3:2-8; so that though every thing is certain with God, nothing is certain with men, nor to be depended on, nor can happiness be placed therein; there is no striving against the providence of God, nor altering the course of things; the labour of man is unprofitable, and his travail affliction and vexation, Ec 3:9,10; and though all God's works are beautiful in their season, they are unsearchable to man, Ec 3:11; wherefore it is best cheerfully to enjoy the present good things of life, Ec 3:12,13; and be content; for the will and ways and works of God are unalterable, permanent, and perfect, Ec 3:14,15; and though wicked men may abuse the power reposed in them, and pervert public justice, they will be called to an account for it in the general judgment, for which there is a time set, Ec 3:16,17; and yet, such is the stupidity of the generality of men, that they have no more sense of death and judgment than the brutes, and live and die like them, Ec 3:18-21; wherefore it is best of all to make a right use of power and riches, or what God has given to men, for their own good and that of others, since they know not what shall be after them, Ec 3:22.