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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:2-3
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.