Adam Clarke on Ecclesiastes 3:16

The plate of judgment, that wickedness was there - The abuse of power, and the perversion of judgment, have been justly complained of in every age of the world. The following paraphrase is good: - "But what enjoyment can our labors yield,

When e'en the remedy prescribed by heaven

To cure disorders proves our deadliest bane?

When God's vicegerents, destined to protect

The weak from insolence of power, to guard

Their lives and fortunes, impious robbers turn?

And, or by force or fraud, deprive of both? -

To what asylum shall the injured fly

From her tribunal, where perverted law

Acquits the guilty, the innocent condemns?"

C.