Ecclesiastes 9
9:1 a 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 b; 8:10-15 c; 12:14 d).9:2 e The destiny all people share is death.
9:3 f When punishments, including death, are delayed, people continue their own mad course, perhaps intensifying their sin and foolishness.
Summary for Eccl 9:4-6: 9:4-6 g 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 h; 7:1 i).
Summary for Eccl 9:7-10: 9:7-10 j Though death is inevitable, enjoying life is beneficial.
9:10 k 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 l decided by chance: We cannot control the outcome (cp. 7:13 m).
Summary for Eccl 9:13-18: 9:13-18 n This poor man’s particular wise action was effective. Wisdom is better than power, strength, or weapons (see 4:13 o; 7:9 p, 19 q; 10:4 r), yet the worthy are not always honored, and even the wise are forgotten (see 2:16 s; 4:16 t).
Summary for Eccl 9:18-10:1: 9:18–10:1 u one sinner can destroy ... a little foolishness spoils: Sin and foolishness can undo a lot of good in a very short time.
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