Ecclesiastes 9: Living Wisely Under the Sun

Ecclesiastes 9 Scripture
1

For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.

2

All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.

3

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

6

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

8

Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

11

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

12

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

13

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

14

There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

15

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

16

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

17

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

18

Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Ecclesiastes 9 Commentary
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Ecclesiastes 9 delves into the realities of life "under the sun," a world where the divine perspective is crucial for navigating its uncertainties. This chapter, part of Solomon's broader reflection on life's fleeting nature, encourages us to embrace wisdom and find joy within the boundaries of God's provision. It's a call to make the most of each day, understanding the limitations of our earthly existence while holding onto an eternal perspective.

The Great Equalizer: Death

Ecclesiastes 9:2-3 highlights a sobering truth: in this earthly realm, everyone shares the same fate. "There is one fate for the righteous and the wicked" (Ecclesiastes 9:2). Life's unpredictable nature and the inevitability of death are common threads woven through every human experience. This shared destiny serves as a stark reminder of our mortality and the preciousness of each moment.

Life's Value: A Fleeting Gift

While death is certain, life, with all its struggles and disappointments, is still preferable. "A live dog is better than a dead lion" (Ecclesiastes 9:4). Even in the face of adversity, the opportunity to experience and engage with life holds immense value. This isn't an endorsement of mere existence, but a call to appreciate the gift of life and use it purposefully.

Embrace Joy and Diligence

In light of life's brevity, Solomon returns to a familiar theme: find joy in the present. "Eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart... Enjoy life..." (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10). This echoes his earlier exhortations to embrace the simple pleasures of life as gifts from God (see Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:12-13; 5:18; 8:15). We are encouraged to engage fully with our work and passions: "Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Live each day to the fullest, embracing the legitimate pleasures God provides, without seeking enjoyment independently of Him. Remember, as 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us, God "richly provides us with all things to enjoy."

Time and Chance: An Eternal Perspective

Life "under the sun" often appears random, a "roll of the dice." "Time and chance happen to all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Regardless of strength, wisdom, riches, or skill, no one is immune to the unpredictable nature of life. "Certainly no one knows his time" (Ecclesiastes 9:12). This acknowledgment of life's uncertainties calls for an eternal perspective. Like the Psalmist in Psalm 73, we must remember that the story isn't over yet. Our ultimate hope lies beyond the fleeting circumstances of this world.

The Power of Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 emphasizes the value of wisdom, even when it goes unrewarded by the world. A poor but wise person can deliver a city from danger, proving that wisdom is "better than strength and weapons of war" (Ecclesiastes 9:16, 18). Although such a person might be forgotten, their wisdom remains a powerful force. Wisdom, in this context, is more than just intelligence; it's bringing God's perspective to bear on all aspects of life. It's about understanding God's principles and applying them to navigate the complexities of the world.

Solomon, as the author of Proverbs, had a profound understanding of wisdom and folly. As he approaches the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, he weaves together a series of proverbial statements about life's futility and the importance of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 9 calls us to live wisely and purposefully, embracing the joys and challenges of life with an awareness of its brevity and an understanding of God's provision. While acknowledging the uncertainties of life "under the sun," we are encouraged to find joy in the present, work diligently, and hold onto an eternal perspective, recognizing that true wisdom comes from aligning our lives with God's principles.