V. 1. For all this I consider'd in my Heart, (Heb. gave or set my Heart) even to declare all this; that the Righteous, and the Wise, and their works are in the hand of God: no Man knoweth either Love, or Hatred, by all that is before them.
SOlomon consider'd, or set his Heart, in the spiritual Wisdom of God, wherein a true Preacher and Seer of God, to declare his whole Mind and Counsel, about Men. He saw the priviledges of the truly Wise and Righteous; that their Persons, Ways, and Works are in the hand of God, with whom they find Praise, Commendation, and a blessed Reward; let Men despise them, and say, or do what they will or can, against them. Then he declares, concerning them and all other Men, that, no Man knows either Love, or Hatred, by all that's before him. But, who are the Wise and Righteous, here? And, what's meant by their Works being in the hand of God? To the 1st. To Spiritual Saints, only, does this character belong. For, they only have that Spirit, that's everlastingly righteous, and infallibly wise. To the 2d. Their Persons and Works in that Spirit, are after a peculiar manner, in the hand of God, or under his peculiar regard, care, and approbation, as obedient to him, in all things. Yet, by any outward dispensations, his Love to them, or Hatred to his and their implacable Enemies, can't be known. For, the natural Man or State is gratified, in Enemies, with more then heart can wish; and, in Saints or Friends, under continual Chastisements, Crosses, and Disappointments. In this cryptick Me∣thod, or mysterious Course of God's dealing with Friends, as Foes; and Foes, as Friends (in all discernable appearances to Man's Wisdom) will Man judg enemies the only Favorites of God; and Friends, re∣jected cast-aways, hated by him for ever, as Job's enlighten'd Friends did seem to reckon him, when under the Cross; Job. 4. 7, -9. Psal. 73. 7, -14. Heb. 12. 6, -8. Solomon, in the Wisdom of God, and true Spirit of Prophecy, farther declares.