91 For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men , wise men , and their deeds are in the hand of God . Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred ; anything awaits him. 2 It is the same for all . There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked ; for the good , for the clean and for the unclean ; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice . As the good man is, so is the sinner ; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear . 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun , that there is one fate for all men . Furthermore , the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives . Afterwards they go to the dead .
4 For whoever e is joined with all the living , there is hope ; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion . 5 For the living know they will die ; but the dead do not know anything , nor have they any longer a reward , for their memory is forgotten . 6 Indeed their love , their hate and their zeal have already perished , and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun . 7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart ; for God has already approved your works . 8 Let your clothes be white all the time , and let not oil be lacking on your head . 9 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun ; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun . 10 Whatever e your hand finds to do , do it with all your might ; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where e you are going .
11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors , and neither e is bread to the wise nor e wealth to the discerning nor e favor to men of ability ; for time and chance overtake them all . 12 Moreover e , man does not know his time : like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare , so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:1-12
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:1-3
(Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-3)
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love, or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil; and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side there will be a vast difference between them.
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:4-10
(Read Ecclesiastes 9:4-10)
The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
(Read Ecclesiastes 9:11-12)
Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they suddenly fall into destruction.