Ecclesiastes 3:5

King James Version (KJV)

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

A time to cast away stones, - to gather stones, - to embrace, - to refrain -

"One while domestic cares abortive prove,

And then successful. Nature now invites

Connubial pleasures: but, when languid grown,

No less rejects."

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Stones may be regarded either as materials for building, or as impediments to the fertility of land (see 2 Kings 3:19, 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 5:2).

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

To expect unchanging happiness in a changing world, must end in disappointment. To bring ourselves to our state in life, is our duty and wisdom in this world. God's whole plan for the government of the world will be found altogether wise, just, and good. Then let us seize the favourable opportunity for every good purpose and work. The time to die is fast approaching. Thus labour and sorrow fill the world. This is given us, that we may always have something to do; none were sent into the world to be idle.

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