4 For whoever e is joined with all the living , there is hope ; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion . 5 For the living know they will die ; but the dead do not know anything , nor have they any longer a reward , for their memory is forgotten . 6 Indeed their love , their hate and their zeal have already perished , and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun . 7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart ; for God has already approved your works . 8 Let your clothes be white all the time , and let not oil be lacking on your head . 9 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun ; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun . 10 Whatever e your hand finds to do , do it with all your might ; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where e you are going .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:4-10
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.