An exposition of Solomons book called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seen and allowedAn exposition of Salomons booke called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seene and allowed

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and excellent to them that see the sun. For wisdom defendeth, and so doth money. But wisdom is much better, for it giveth life to him that hath it in possession

Wysedome is good with an inheritaunce, and excellent to them that see the sonne. For wisedome defendeth, and so doth money. But wisedome is much better, for it geueth life to him that hath it in possession

¹Solomon laboureth chiefly here, to improve that doltishness that some allege when they hear religion taught. If (say they) all our endeavour and studies be condemned, then let us do nothing, let us sit still like sluggards. But Solomon replieth saying: I condemn not riches, neither allow I sluggishness, yea I allow both riches & wisdom, but I prefer wisdom before riches, because she giveth life unto man. Howbeit mens devises in compassing of riches & other things I condemn. Neither be thou (say I) too busy, nor too idle, neither be thou a fool, nor yet wise: Nether prevaileth, that is, bring not thine own fetches & forecasts, nor follow them not in getting of riches, or wisdom, but have a care to that, that God would have cared for, & cast away thine own devises which are naught but vanity. For the wisdom of God is not ⟨p. 119⟩set before thee to the end thou shouldst do after thine own wisdom, but look up into heaven, that God may work these righteousnesses and wisdoms. &c. Thus therefore he both condemneth mans devises in compassing whatsoever things: and yet, he exhorteth them to be doing forthwith in ruling and governing of things, and to wait for Gods aid and helping hand, where they perceive they succeed not &c. For if thou wilt follow and set forward thine own devises, thou shalt receive naught but vanity and trouble of mind. &c.