9 “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit”.Proverbs 30:7-9 might well be the impetuous of this verse; In other words better is a man who is satisfied with what he has than a covetous man who burns with desire for what he has not. 1 Tim 6:6 "but Godliness with contentment is great gain..." Solomon was a man who could not control his desires and it ruined him, many of his own proverbs now tormented him and he lived a life contrary to them now. His very life highlights the tragedy of one who ran after his lusts forsaking restraint and propriety then once he indulges in his lusts looks back longingly to the things he has forsaken along the way but is too ensnared in his indulgent lifestyle to return to carefulness and restraint. Like Proverbs 30:15-16 Solomon has lost his ability to restrain himself and to say, "Enough!"
10 “That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he”.
“That which hath been is named already” This is written in the spirit of 1 Peter 1:20 & Rev 13:8. The events of our lives have already been recorded in the foreknowledge of God. They have already been named, or recorded in a book (however, one must be careful to not misconstrue foreknowledge with predestination Rom 8:29 - predestined because of foreknowledge!) Whatever has come to be has already been named.
“And it is known what man is” his frailties, his weaknesses are all known! Solomon is obviously depressed and speaking of the weaknesses and limitations of man in a spirit of gloom, however, for anyone who clearly understands the message from the beginning of creation knows that man was created and is a dependent creature and as such there should be no room for pride.
“And that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he”. This was the lesson Job learned; at one point he said "O' that he were before me, I would plead my case and He would agree with me (paraphrased)" but God concluded Job 4:17 "Shall mortal man be more just than God?"
God knows the beginning from the end; if we seek to please Him and set our lives in order before Him then He knows in spite of our frailties the end will be good but if a man, woman or even a child set themselves against Him then they will fail in this life no matter how strong. Let us develop this rest and confidence that if we do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord He will ensure our end is good. Do not be driven with the passions of this world but with all grace seek to remain on the good path.
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