Verses 1-5

A warning against over-anxiety in any work. Let it be left in the wise hands of Jehovah, who gives the best blessings without human aid. Perhaps the Ps. was addressed to some too-zealous workers in the restoration of Jerusalem. The title assigns it to Solomon, but probably it was written long after his day. Its proverbial philosophy may have led to its association with his name: cp. Proverbs 1:1.

2. Bread of sorrows] RV 'bread of toil': cp. Proverbs 10:22. For so he giveth his beloved sleep] a difficult phrase. With a slight change in the Hebrew we may render, 'surely he giveth his beloved in sleep.' Others may toil and worry and vex themselves and make little progress. But to His loved ones God gives prosperity even while they sleep: cp. Mark 4:27.

3. Children] according to Jewish belief one of God's greatest blessings, yet given without the laborious thought and care of men.

4. Children of a man's youth would grow up and be able to help and protect him when he is old.

5. But] RV 'when.' In the gate] Here the market was held and justice administered. The man with stalwart sons need not fear false accusers at the judgment-seat: cp. Job 5:4.