Ecclesiastes 9:10 Commentary and Bible Study

If these words are spoken to an unbeliever, the meaning would be: ‘Make the most of this life, for it is all you have got. Where you are going you cannot take anything with you, because you are about to be reduced to nothing by death. Your whole existence is futile, but if you want to scrape together a few scraps from life, then enjoy its fleeting pleasures for a moment.’ But there appears to be nothing ironic or insincere about his exhortation: ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’ If spoken to the believer, these words can be interpreted in another way: ‘Make the most of the opportunities of this life, for you cannot enjoy its experiences once you are gone from here. You too are going to that same grave, and the logic of the situation is that you should take advantage of being alive to enjoy the legitimate pleasures that God gives. When you come to the grave, there is of course the whole issue of judgment, of eternity, of heaven and hell, but, setting that aside, there is every reason to live life to the full and not be oppressed by vanity.’ Solomon is talking about this life, not the next. He is not speaking of the believer’s reward in the world to come and bringing into play a full-blown eschatology. He is limiting his observations, even when applied to the godly man, to what can be seen by believer and unbeliever alike. Yes, he knows that the godly are accepted by God, but how are they to navigate this fallen world? With happiness, gratitude and peace of mind.