See here, 1. What is the common course men take to advance and enrich
themselves, and make themselves great: they seek the ruler's favour,
and, as if all their judgment proceeded from him, to him they make all
their court. Solomon was himself a ruler, and knew with what sedulity
men made their application to him, some on one errand, others on
another, but all for his favour. It is the way of the world to make
interest with great men, and expect much from the smiles of second
causes, which yet are uncertain, and frequently disappoint them. Many
take a great deal of pains in seeking the ruler's favour and yet cannot
have it; many have it for a little while, but they cannot keep
themselves in it, by some little turn or other they are brought under
his displeasure; many have it, and keep it, and yet it does not answer
their expectation, they cannot make that hand of it that they promised
themselves they should. Haman had the ruler's favour, and yet it
availed him nothing. 2. What is the wisest course men can take to be
happy. Let them look up to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of
rulers; for every man's judgment proceeds from the Lord. It is not with
us as the ruler pleases; his favour cannot make us happy, his frowns
cannot make us miserable. But it is as God pleases; every creature is
that to us that God makes it to be, no more and no other. He is the
first Cause, on which all second causes depend; if he help not, they
cannot, 2 Kings vi. 27; Job xxxiv. 29.