Homilist Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man also knows not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare… "If ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." This applies to our ignorance in relation to the future. It is mercy that has woven the veil. I. If we knew our future, ENJOYMENT would be IMPOSSIBLE. Suppose we knew all the bereavements, sufferings, adversities that are before us, and the time, circumstances, and place of our death, would there be any pleasure for us on this earth? II. If we knew our future, DUTY would be IMPRACTICABLE. With all the dark events of our future clearly marked out before us, we should stand aghast, and be utterly unfit for the ordinary duties of life. III. If we knew our future, LIFE would be INTOLERABLE. It would be utterly impossible for our fragile natures to bear such a vision. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. |
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