Ecclesiastes 9

9:1 No one knows whether God will show them favor: There is no guarantee that righteousness will be rewarded in this life (cp. 3:17-22; 8:10-15; 12:14).

9:2 The destiny all people share is death.

9:3 When punishments, including death, are delayed, people continue their own mad course, perhaps intensifying their sin and foolishness.

9:4-6 The hope for enjoyment is only as alive as the one who is hoping. In this sense, it is better to be alive (cp. 6:3; 7:1).

9:7-10 Though death is inevitable, enjoying life is beneficial.

9:10 to the grave: Hebrew to Sheol. In the Old Testament, Sheol is the abode of the dead. It is not necessarily associated with punishment.

9:11 decided by chance: We cannot control the outcome (cp. 7:13).

9:13-18 This poor man’s particular wise action was effective. Wisdom is better than power, strength, or weapons (see 4:13; 7:9, 19; 10:4), yet the worthy are not always honored, and even the wise are forgotten (see 2:16; 4:16).

9:18–10:1 one sinner can destroy . . . a little foolishness spoils: Sin and foolishness can undo a lot of good in a very short time.