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.
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.
5 The living at least know something, even if it's only that they're going to die. But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers.
5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.
5 The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
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.