2 The whole 'is' as to the whole; one event is to the righteous and to the wicked, to the good, and to the clean, and to the unclean, and to him who is sacrificing, and to him who is not sacrificing; as 'is' the good, so 'is' the sinner, he who is swearing as he who is fearing an oath. 3 This 'is' an evil among all that hath been done under the sun, that one event 'is' to all, and also the heart of the sons of man is full of evil, and madness 'is' in their heart during their life, and after it—unto the dead.
4 But 'to' him who is joined unto all the living there is confidence, for to a living dog it 'is' better than to the dead lion. 5 For the living know that they die, and the dead know not anything, and there is no more to them a reward, for their remembrance hath been forgotten. 6 Their love also, their hatred also, their envy also, hath already perished, and they have no more a portion to the age in all that hath been done under the sun. 7 Go, eat with joy thy bread, and drink with a glad heart thy wine, for already hath God been pleased with thy works. 8 At all times let thy garments be white, and let not perfume be lacking on thy head. 9 See life with the wife whom thou hast loved, all the days of the life of thy vanity, that He hath given to thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity, for it 'is' thy portion in life, even of thy labour that thou art labouring at under the sun. 10 All that thy hand findeth to do, with thy power do, for there is no work, and device, and knowledge, and wisdom in Sheol whither thou art going.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:2-10
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.