Ecclesiastes 9

1 by all that is before them. Rather, “all [is] before them” (R.V.); i.e., signs of God’s love and displeasure [seem to] await them indiscriminately. It is impossible, from the events which befall a man in this life, to determine his real character in the sight of God. Such statements must be understood only as criticisms of life from a human point of view: the Preacher is contemplating life and death apart from the future judgement of which he afterwards emphatically speaks (xi. 9).

2 he that sweareth. i.e., who swears lightly and falsely; while “he that feareth an oath” is one who takes it seriously and keeps it faithfully.

4. For to him that is joined, etc. Rather, “For who is there that is chosen out (i.e., excepted)? To all the living there is hope: a living dog is better than a dead lion.”

5 the living know that they shall die. If they know nothing else, they know this; whereas the dead “know not anything.”

any more a reward. Any further advantage.

6 now. Or, “long ago.”

7. For God now accepteth, etc. Or, with R.V., “For God hath already accepted,” etc. The hearty but moderate enjoyment of the good things of life is again recommended, as a wise alternative to restless speculation: ep. ii. 24; iii. 12, 22; v. 18.

8. Let thy garments be always white, etc. White garments and perfumed oil were signs of festivity amongst the Hebrews.

10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, etc. Whatever appears to thee desirable or important to be done, do it promptly and earnestly, remembering that the period for doing it will soon have passed for ever: ep. John ix. 4. “The grave” in the Hebrew is Sheol, “the under-world.”

11 the race is not to the swift. Wisdom and energy often fail of present success.

nor yet favour to men of skill. The esteem and respect of mankind are not always gained by such men; sometimes neglect, envy, and contempt are their portion.

chance. What to men appears accidental. The absolute control of Divine Providence over all events has been repeatedly asserted: see iii. 1-11.

12 man also knoweth not his time. Or, “time of calamity.” Calamity and death come upon him as if by chance (11); as unexpectedly as “net” or “snare” upon fishes and birds.

13. This wisdom have I seen, etc. Or, “This also have I seen, [as] wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great unto me.” The “wisdom” is that of the poor man in ver. 15; and the whole narrative (which may be that of an actual occurrence) illustrates (16) both the value of wisdom, and the maxim of ver. 11, that “favour” is not “to men of skill.”

17. The words of wise men are heard in quiet, etc. Rather, “The words of wise men heard in quiet [are better] than the outcry of a ruler among fools,” i.e., a foolish ruler. The “poor wise man” (15) seems to be still thought of.