Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave… I. An exhortation to present activity — "Whatsoever thy hand findeth," etc. 1. Based on the fact that particular work is allotted to each life. In the Divine economy nothing has been created without some sphere of usefulness. 2. Urged by the fact that opportunity once lost can never be regained. 3. Limited by the truth that the work appointed to each will take the whole season of life; hence no man can do another's work. II. A RECOMMENDATION TO EARNESTNESS — "Do it with thy might." Because — 1. To the earnest life the forces of darkness yield. 2. The work of life is of such infinite importance. 3. The workers of iniquity labour in this spirit, and set an example. 4. In proportion to our earnestness is our real success in life. 5. By this means will human attention be excited, and men be brought to thoughtfulness. 6. In proportion as we are earnest shall we be imitators of the perfect life. "I have finished the work," etc. III. A SOLEMN CONSIDERATION — "There is no work," etc. 1. The season for active work is limited. 2. In what state death finds our work will it be sealed, after which no alteration can be made. If incomplete, so will it remain to all eternity. 3. This life is a season of probation; hence our everlasting weal or woe depends upon its actions. (J. F. Pridgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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