These verses give the application of the facts just mentioned. The inscrutability of the moral government of the world, the uncertainty of life, the condition of the dead, lead to the conclusion again that one should use one's life to the best advantage; and Koheleth repeats his caution concerning the issues and duration of life.
Bible Commentary
Ecclesiastes 9:7-12
The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7-12
The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain
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The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:1-18Ecclesiastes 9:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONMatthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:4-10Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe 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 m…The Consequences of Death; The Proper Enjoyment of LifeEcclesiastes 9:4-10 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE CONSEQUENCES OF DEATH; THE PROPER ENJOYMENT OF LIFE. Solomon, in a fret, had praised the dead more than the living (Ecclesiastes 4:2); but here, considering the advantages of life to prepare for death and make sure…The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7Ecclesiastes 9:7 · The Pulpit CommentaryGo thy way, eat thy bread with joy. This is not an injunction to lead a selfish life of Epicurean pleasure; but taking the limited view to which he here confines himself, the Preacher inculcates the practical wisdom of…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:1-18EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:4-10The 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 m…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Consequences of Death; The Proper Enjoyment of LifeTHE CONSEQUENCES OF DEATH; THE PROPER ENJOYMENT OF LIFE. Solomon, in a fret, had praised the dead more than the living (Ecclesiastes 4:2); but here, considering the advantages of life to prepare for death and make sure…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy. This is not an injunction to lead a selfish life of Epicurean pleasure; but taking the limited view to which he here confines himself, the Preacher inculcates the practical wisdom of…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:8Let thy garments be always white. The Preacher brings into prominence certain particulars of enjoyment, more noticeable than mere eating and drinking. White garments in the East (as among ourselves) were symbols of joy…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest; literally, see life with a wife whom thou lovest. The article is omitted, as the maxim is to be taken generally. In correction of the outspoken condemnation of women in Eccl…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. In accordance with what has been already said, and to combat the idea that, as man cannot control his fate, he should take no pains to work his work, but fold his…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:11-12Men'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…Matthew Henry