Ecclesiastes 9 Commentary

We all share a common destiny—death. All we do in life is in God’s hands.

Death is a common fate for all. Even so, there are advantages to life that will be nullified when death finds us. We have a choice to either lament (or deny) death, or to take its inevitability as motivation to make the most of today.

Life on this earth is a once-in-an-existence opportunity. If we accept this reality and live with wisdom (founded in faith), we can enjoy life as God intended.

Unexpected and unpredictable circumstances are a part of life and often interrupt the predictable flow of events. We cannot control, understand, or perfectly anticipate what life has to offer.

Wisdom is of the utmost value but does not produce the unerring approval of man. Nor can it control circumstances.

Trying to control others through shouting and coercion is destructive while quiet words of wisdom are more powerful than weapons of war.