◄ Ecclesiastes 9 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Death Comes to Good and Bad 1So I took all this to heart and concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their deeds, are in God’s hands. Man does not know what lies ahead, whether love or hate. 2It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad,a for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow. 3This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead. 4There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten. 6Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun. Enjoy Your Portion in This Life 7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: 8Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. 9Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleetingb life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. 10Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. 11I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. 12For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. Wisdom Is Better than Strength 13I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: 14There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. 15Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” 17The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. 18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. Footnotes: 2 a LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate; Hebrew does not include and the bad. 9 b Or futile; twice in this verse Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ecclesiastes 9 Summary Enjoy Your Portion in This Life Verses 1–3 – The Universal Fate of All People Solomon gathers up the previous reflections and concludes that every person, whether righteous or wicked, ultimately falls into God’s hands and faces the same earthly end—death. No one can read God’s immediate intentions (“whether love or hate awaits them”), and life “under the sun” looks painfully random. This shared destiny exposes how deeply human hearts are “full of evil and madness,” highlighting our need for divine mercy. Verses 4–6 – Hope While Still Breathing Even so, to be alive is to possess hope: “a live dog is better than a dead lion.” The living can still choose, repent, and rejoice, while the dead have no further share in earthly activity, emotion, or reputation. Love, hate, envy—everything that once drove them—has disappeared from this realm. Verses 7–10 – God-Approved Enjoyment and Diligence Because life is fleeting, God invites His people to enjoy legitimate pleasures—food, drink, celebration, marriage—“for God has already approved your deeds.” White garments and perfumed heads picture festivity and purity. Marriage is presented as a gift; work is to be tackled “with all your might,” for Sheol offers no second chances to serve. Verses 11–12 – Life’s Unpredictable Turns Observation shows that speed, strength, wisdom, riches, or skill do not guarantee success. “Time and chance happen to them all,” and calamity can spring like a net on fish. This uncertainty keeps us humble and watchful. Verses 13–18 – A Parable of Quiet Wisdom Solomon recalls a besieged city saved by a poor but wise man—yet forgotten once peace returned. The account proves that wisdom outweighs brute force, though people may ignore it and one sinner can undo much good. Ecclesiastes 9 is a fascinating chapter that delves into life's deepest mysteries. It explores the unpredictability of life and death, wisdom and foolishness, while encouraging the reader to find joy and purpose in the seemingly mundane aspects of life. The Preacher’s (Koheleth) profound insights challenge us to confront our mortality and the uncertain nature of our existence, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the present moment. Authorship and Setting • Traditionally attributed to Solomon (1 Kings 4:29–34; Ecclesiastes 1:1). • Written when the kingdom was wealthy but also facing political strain, giving credibility to reflections on power, mortality, and injustice. • “Under the sun” (used again in 9:3,11,13) is Solomon’s shorthand for life viewed from an earthly plane, without the full light later revealed in Christ (2 Timothy 1:10). Death and the Old Testament Perspective • Verses 5–6 speak of the dead “knowing nothing.” In the Hebrew context, Sheol is the realm of the departed—shadowy, silent, devoid of earthly toil (Psalm 6:5; 88:10–12). • The passage emphasizes how opportunities end at death, urging readers to act now (Hebrews 9:27). • Later revelation clarifies a conscious afterlife and resurrection (Daniel 12:2; Luke 16:19–31; John 11:25-26). Joy as a God-Given Gift • “Eat your bread…drink your wine” (v. 7) echoes Deuteronomy 12:7 and 1 Timothy 6:17, showing that enjoyment, within God’s boundaries, is part of faithful living. • White garments (v. 8) symbolize purity and festivity (Esther 8:15; Revelation 3:5). • Marriage celebration (v. 9) parallels Proverbs 5:18 and Ephesians 5:25—marital love is honorable and central to daily happiness. Work, Calling, and Finality • Verse 10 urges wholehearted labor. Compare Colossians 3:23 and Proverbs 14:23. • Ancient Near-Eastern tomb inscriptions often listed earthly achievements, underscoring that people longed for lasting impact; Solomon counters that earthly monuments fade (v. 5). Life’s Unpredictability • Verse 11’s “race…battle…bread…riches…favor” cover politics, economics, and social honor. Archaeological tablets from Mesopotamia record sudden reversals—crop failures, coups, floods—affirming Solomon’s point. • Jesus echoes the theme: “The first will be last, and the last will be first” (Luke 13:30). Wisdom Versus Power • The unnamed poor man (vv. 13-15) illustrates Proverbs 21:22 (“A wise man scales the city of the mighty”). • Ancient siege ramps (v. 14) have been excavated at sites such as Lachish, where Assyrian ramps mirror the account’s realism. • Wisdom’s quiet words (v. 17) anticipate James 3:17: “peaceable, gentle, open to reason.” • Yet wisdom is easily overshadowed; Christ Himself was “despised” despite saving the world (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11). Practical Applications • Hold plans lightly; trust the Lord (James 4:13-15). • Celebrate God’s gifts without guilt or excess (Philippians 4:4-5). • Serve vigorously today; tomorrow is not guaranteed (Luke 12:16-21). • Value wisdom over status, and listen for quiet counsel amid loud voices (Proverbs 19:20). • Guard against the solitary sinner who can upend much good (1 Corinthians 5:6). Glimpses of the Gospel • Universal death (v. 3) anticipates the need for universal redemption (Romans 5:12). • The forgotten savior of the city (v. 15) foreshadows Jesus, who “though He was rich, yet for your sake became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). • God’s approval of our deeds (v. 7) finds fulfillment in Christ’s finished work, which makes our labor in the Lord “not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Summary Thought Ecclesiastes 9 invites believers to face mortality realistically, embrace God-sanctioned joy, labor wholeheartedly, and prize wisdom that often goes unnoticed—while ultimately looking beyond “under the sun” to the eternal assurance secured in Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. This verse complements the theme of living wisely in light of life's brevity. James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This passage echoes the unpredictability of life discussed in Ecclesiastes 9. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! This verse aligns with the call to find joy in life as encouraged in Ecclesiastes 9. Teaching Points The Common Destiny of All Ecclesiastes 9:2 states, It is the same for all: There is one fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. This verse highlights the universal reality of death, emphasizing that it is the great equalizer. The Value of Life In Ecclesiastes 9:4, we read, For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope. Surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. This verse underscores the value of life and the hope that comes with being alive, regardless of one's circumstances. Enjoy Life's Simple Pleasures Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 encourages us to Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved your works. This passage reminds us to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, recognizing them as gifts from God. The Unpredictability of Life Ecclesiastes 9:11 observes, I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. This verse teaches us about the unpredictability of life and the limitations of human control. Practical Applications Live with Purpose Recognize the brevity of life and strive to live with intentionality and purpose, making the most of every opportunity to glorify God. Embrace Joy Find joy in everyday moments and appreciate the blessings God has given you, no matter how small they may seem. Trust in God's Sovereignty Acknowledge that life is unpredictable and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are beyond your control. Pursue Righteousness While death is inevitable, live a life that honors God, knowing that your actions have eternal significance. People 1. The Righteous and the Wise These individuals are mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:1, where it is noted that their deeds are in the hand of God. The Hebrew word for "righteous" is צַדִּיק (tzaddik), and for "wise" is חָכָם (chakam). 2. The Wicked Also mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:2, the wicked are contrasted with the righteous. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is רָשָׁע (rasha). 3. The Good and the Clean Ecclesiastes 9:2 refers to these individuals, who are often associated with moral purity and ritual cleanliness. The Hebrew words are טוֹב (tov) for "good" and טָהוֹר (tahor) for "clean." 4. The Sinner This person is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:2, representing those who miss the mark of righteousness. The Hebrew word for "sinner" is חוֹטֵא (chote). 5. The One Who Sacrifices Ecclesiastes 9:2 refers to those who perform religious sacrifices, indicating a form of worship or devotion. The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" is זָבַח (zavach). 6. The One Who Does Not Sacrifice Also in Ecclesiastes 9:2, this person is contrasted with the one who sacrifices, possibly indicating a lack of religious observance. 7. The Good Man Mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:2, this person is associated with moral integrity. The Hebrew word is אִישׁ טוֹב (ish tov). 8. The Sinner Repeated in Ecclesiastes 9:2, emphasizing the universality of death regardless of one's moral standing. 9. The Living Ecclesiastes 9:4-5 speaks of the living, who have hope and awareness. The Hebrew word for "living" is חַי (chai). 10. The Dead Mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:5, the dead are described as having no further reward or memory. The Hebrew word for "dead" is מֵת (met). 11. The Fool Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 contrasts the wise with the fool, highlighting the impact of folly. The Hebrew word for "fool" is כְּסִיל (kesil). Places 1. The House of the Living This refers to the realm of the living, where people experience life and its various activities. The text emphasizes the value of life and the opportunities it presents, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:4, "For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion." 2. The Grave (Sheol) This is the place of the dead, often referred to in Hebrew as "Sheol." It represents the finality of death and the cessation of earthly activities, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." 3. The City While not explicitly named, the city can be inferred as a place of human activity and societal interaction. Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 tells a parable about a small city and a wise man who saves it, highlighting the impact of wisdom in communal settings. Events 1. The Fate of All Men Ecclesiastes 9:1-3 discusses the common destiny of both the righteous and the wicked. The Preacher observes that "the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God" (v. 1). However, the same fate—death—awaits everyone, which is described as an "evil" under the sun (v. 3). The Hebrew word for "evil" here is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), indicating adversity or calamity. 2. The Living and the Dead Verses 4-6 contrast the living and the dead. The living have hope, as "a live dog is better than a dead lion" (v. 4). The dead "know nothing" and "have no further reward" (v. 5), emphasizing the finality of death. The Hebrew term for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada'), implying awareness or understanding. 3. Enjoy Life In verses 7-10, the Preacher advises to "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart" (v. 7). This encouragement to enjoy life is grounded in the belief that God has already approved what you do. The Hebrew word for "joy" is "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), meaning gladness or pleasure. 4. The Unpredictability of Life Verses 11-12 highlight the unpredictability of life. The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong (v. 11). Time and chance happen to all, and no one knows when their time will come, like fish caught in a net (v. 12). The Hebrew word for "chance" is "פֶּגַע" (pega'), indicating an occurrence or event. 5. Wisdom and Folly The chapter concludes with verses 13-18, where the Preacher reflects on the value of wisdom. A poor wise man saved a city, yet his wisdom was soon forgotten (v. 15). Wisdom is better than strength, but "one sinner destroys much good" (v. 18). The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), denoting skill or insight. Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9 1. Embrace the Certainty of Life's End Ecclesiastes 9:2 reminds us that "all share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad." Life's end is inevitable for everyone, and this truth should inspire us to live with purpose and urgency. Recognizing our mortality can motivate us to focus on what truly matters, aligning our actions with God's will and making the most of the time we have. 2. Live with Joy and Gratitude Verse 7 encourages us to "go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved your works." This is a call to enjoy the simple pleasures of life with gratitude. By appreciating the blessings God has given us, we cultivate a heart of thankfulness and a spirit of contentment, which can transform our daily routines into acts of worship. 3. Cherish Your Relationships Ecclesiastes 9:9 advises, "Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of your fleeting life." Relationships are a gift from God, meant to be cherished and nurtured. Investing time and love into our relationships not only enriches our lives but also reflects God's love to those around us. Prioritize meaningful connections and let them be a source of joy and strength. 4. Seize Opportunities with Diligence Verse 10 urges, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." This is a call to action, encouraging us to pursue our tasks with diligence and excellence. Whether in work, ministry, or personal projects, giving our best effort honors God and maximizes the impact of our endeavors. Approach each opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment. 5. Acknowledge the Unpredictability of Life Ecclesiastes 9:11 observes that "time and chance happen to them all." Life is unpredictable, and not everything is within our control. This lesson teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to remain flexible and adaptable. By leaning on God's wisdom, we can navigate life's uncertainties with peace and confidence. 6. Wisdom is More Valuable than Strength Verse 16 states, "Wisdom is better than strength." In a world that often values power and might, this reminder highlights the enduring value of wisdom. Seek God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture, and let it guide your decisions and actions. Wisdom equips us to handle challenges effectively and to live in a way that honors God. 7. The Power of Quiet Influence Ecclesiastes 9:17 tells us, "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools." This lesson emphasizes the impact of gentle, wise counsel over loud, foolish noise. Cultivate a spirit of humility and patience, and use your influence to guide others toward truth and righteousness. 8. Avoid the Folly of Neglect Verse 18 warns, "Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." Neglecting wisdom and righteousness can lead to destruction. Be vigilant in maintaining your spiritual disciplines and guard against complacency. Stay rooted in God's Word and remain steadfast in your faith to prevent the erosion of what is good. 9. Recognize the Limits of Human Understanding Ecclesiastes 9:12 reminds us that "no one knows when their hour will come." Human understanding is limited, and we cannot predict or control every aspect of life. This lesson encourages us to rely on God's omniscience and to trust His perfect timing. Surrender your plans to Him and find peace in His divine orchestration. 10. Find Purpose in God's Plan Ultimately, Ecclesiastes 9 teaches us to find our purpose in God's plan. Life may seem fleeting and unpredictable, but when we align our lives with God's eternal purposes, we find meaning and fulfillment. Seek His guidance, live with intentionality, and let your life be a testament to His glory and grace. Topics 1. The Common Fate of All (Ecclesiastes 9:1-3) The passage discusses how both the righteous and the wicked share the same fate, which is death. The Hebrew word for "fate" (מִקְרֶה, ^miqreh^) emphasizes the randomness and inevitability of death for all people. 2. The Value of Life (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6) Life is portrayed as valuable and preferable to death. The living have hope, symbolized by the proverb "a living dog is better than a dead lion." The Hebrew word for "hope" (תִּקְוָה, ^tiqvah^) suggests an expectation or longing for something better. 3. Enjoy Life (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10) The text encourages enjoying life and the simple pleasures it offers, such as food, drink, and relationships. The imperative "Go" (לֵךְ, ^lekh^) in verse 7 underscores the urgency and importance of actively engaging in life's joys. 4. The Unpredictability of Life (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12) Life's outcomes are unpredictable, and success is not always guaranteed by strength or skill. The Hebrew word for "time" (עֵת, ^et^) and "chance" (פֶּגַע, ^pega^) highlight the elements of timing and unforeseen events that affect human endeavors. 5. Wisdom and Folly (Ecclesiastes 9:13-18) The passage contrasts wisdom and folly, illustrating how wisdom, though often unrecognized, is more powerful than weapons of war. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, ^chokhmah^) conveys the idea of skillful living and discernment. Themes 1. The Inevitability of Death Ecclesiastes 9:2 states, "All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not." This verse highlights the theme that death is the ultimate equalizer, affecting everyone regardless of their moral or religious standing. The Hebrew word for "destiny" (מִקְרֶה, miqreh) emphasizes the unavoidable nature of death. 2. The Unpredictability of Life In Ecclesiastes 9:11, it is written, "I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." This theme underscores the unpredictability and randomness of life events, where human effort does not always guarantee success. The Hebrew term for "chance" (פֶּגַע, pega) suggests occurrences that are beyond human control. 3. The Value of Wisdom Ecclesiastes 9:16 says, "So I said, 'Wisdom is better than strength.' But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded." This theme emphasizes the superiority of wisdom over physical power, even though it may not always be recognized or valued by society. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) conveys a sense of skillful living and discernment. 4. The Futility of Human Endeavors Ecclesiastes 9:9 advises, "Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun." This theme reflects the transient nature of human life and efforts, suggesting that earthly pursuits are ultimately fleeting. The Hebrew word for "fleeting" (הֶבֶל, hebel) is often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness," indicating the temporary and elusive nature of worldly achievements. 5. The Importance of Seizing the Moment Ecclesiastes 9:10 encourages, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." This theme stresses the importance of making the most of the present opportunities, as the afterlife (Sheol) offers no chance for action or change. The Hebrew term "Sheol" (שְׁאוֹל) refers to the realm of the dead, highlighting the finality of death. Prayer Points Gratitude for Life Thank God for the gift of life and the opportunities to experience joy and purpose. Wisdom in Living Ask God for wisdom to live intentionally and make choices that honor Him. Trust in Uncertainty Pray for trust in God's sovereignty, especially in the face of life's unpredictability. Joy in Simplicity Seek God's help in finding joy and contentment in the simple pleasures of life. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Ecclesiastes 9:2, how can both righteous and wicked sharing the same fate align with other passages promising divine justice? 2. In Ecclesiastes 9:5, if the dead truly “know nothing,” how does that square with verses elsewhere suggesting an active afterlife? 3. Ecclesiastes 9:7 emphasizes enjoyment of life; does this contradict New Testament calls for self-denial and sacrifice? 4. Ecclesiastes 9:11 says events happen by “time and chance,” so does that undermine the idea of God’s sovereign control? 5. If some scholars argue that Ecclesiastes was written well after Solomon’s era, can the book’s claimed authorship be historically trusted? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What is your understanding of the common destiny discussed in verses 1-6? How does this affect your perspective on life? 2. How do you reconcile the joy of life with the inevitability of death as discussed in verses 7-10? 3. How can one apply the teachings in verses 7-10 to enjoy life in today's busy world? 4. How does the unpredictability of life, as discussed in verses 11-12, affect your personal and professional decisions? 5. How do you cope with the random misfortunes that life sometimes presents, as discussed in verses 11-12? 6. Reflect on a time when you experienced or observed the vulnerability of wisdom in the face of folly, as depicted in verses 13-18. How did it influence your perspective on wisdom and folly? 7. How do you view the role of wisdom in today's society, in light of verses 13-18? 8. In your life, how do you balance the pursuit of wisdom with the unpredictability of outcomes (verses 11-12)? 9. How can we ensure that we value and remember wisdom in a world that often forgets, as portrayed in verses 13-18? 10. What are some practical ways to apply the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 9 in everyday living? 11. How do you interpret the phrase "time and chance happen to them all" in the context of your life? 12. How do you interpret and apply the Preacher's advice to "enjoy life with the wife whom you love" in your relationships? 13. How does the concept of mortality affect your daily decisions and long-term plans? 14. How do you interpret the Preacher's recommendation to "let your garments always be white"? 15. How does the perspective of Ecclesiastes 9 change your view on success and failure? 16. How does Ecclesiastes 9 influence your understanding of the balance between enjoying life and preparing for the future? 17. Reflect on the role of wisdom in overcoming challenges in your life. 18. How does the teaching in Ecclesiastes 9 align with other scriptures you have studied? 19. How does the message in Ecclesiastes 9 apply to contemporary issues such as social justice or climate change? 20. How can you apply the lessons from Ecclesiastes 9 to better handle uncertainty in your personal and professional life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions