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Ecclesiastes 9:10

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do - Examine here the What the How, and the Why.

    I. What is necessary to be done in this life, in reference to another?

  • Turn from sin.
  • Repent.
  • Frequent the ordinances of God, and associate with the upright.
  • Read the Scriptures.
  • Pray for pardon.
  • Believe on the Lord Jesus, that thou mayest obtain it.
  • Look for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Bring forth in their seasons the fruits of it -
  • (1) Repentance,

    (2) Faith; and

    (3) The Holy Spirit.

  • Live to get good.
  • And to do good.
  • And refer every purpose and act to the eternal world.
  • II. How should these be done? With thy might.

  • Be fully convinced of the necessity of these things.
  • Be determined to act according to this conviction.
  • Then act with all thy strength; put forth all thy power in avoiding evil, repenting of sin, etc., etc.
  • III. Why should this be done?

  • Because thou art a dying man.
  • Thou art going into the grave.
  • When thou leavest this life, thy state of probation, with all its advantages, is eternally ended.
  • If thou die in sin, where God is thou shalt never come. For,
  • There is no work by which thou mayest profit;
  • No device by which thou mayest escape punishment;
  • No knowledge of any means of help; and,
  • No wisdom - restoration of the soul to the favor and image of God, in that grave whither thou goest. Therefore, work while it is called to-day.
  • My old MS. Bible translates this nervously: Whatever thinge may thin hond don, besily wirch: for nouther were, ne resoun, ne wisdom, ne keennyng schuln be a nentis hell, whither thou gost. Properly speaking, every sinner is going to hell, and the wisdom of God calls upon him to turn and live.

    Albert Barnes
    Notes on the Whole Bible
    Verses 7-12

    Read these six verses connectedly, in order to arrive at the meaning of the writer; and compare Ecclesiastes 2:1-12.

    After the description Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 of the portionless condition of the dead, the next thought which occurs is that the man who is prosperous and active should simply enjoy his portion all through this life Ecclesiastes 9:7-10; and then Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 follows the correcting thought (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 note), introduced as usual Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 4:1, Ecclesiastes 4:7 by “I returned,” namely, that the course of events is disposed and regulated by another will than that of man.

    The person addressed is one whose life of labor is already pleasing to God, and who bears visible tokens of God‘s favor.

    Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Now accepteth - Rather: “already has pleasure in.” Joy (the marginal reference note) is regarded as a sign of the approbation and favor of God.

    Ecclesiastes 9:8

    White garments and perfume are simply an expressive sign of joy.

    Ecclesiastes 9:10

    The works which we carry on here with the combined energies of body and soul come to an end in the hour of death, when the soul enters a new sphere of existence, and body and soul cease to act together. Compare John 9:4.

    Device - See Ecclesiastes 7:25 note.

    Ecclesiastes 9:11

    Chance - Or, “incident,” that which comes to us from without, one of the external events described in Ecclesiastes 2:14 note.

    Ecclesiastes 9:12

    Time - See Ecclesiastes 3:1 ff.

    Matthew Henry
    Concise Bible Commentary
    The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.
    Ellen G. White
    Christ's Object Lessons, 270

    When the voice of God awakes the dead, he will come from the grave with the same appetites and passions, the same likes and dislikes, that he cherished when living. God works no miracle to re-create a man who would not be re-created when he was granted every opportunity and provided with every facility. During his lifetime he took no delight in God, nor found pleasure in His service. His character is not in harmony with God, and he could not be happy in the heavenly family. COL 270.1

    Today there is a class in our world who are self-righteous. They are not gluttons, they are not drunkards, they are not infidels; but they desire to live for themselves, not for God. He is not in their thoughts; therefore they are classed with unbelievers. Were it possible for them to enter the gates of the city of God, they could have no right to the tree of life, for when God's commandments were laid before them with all their binding claims they said, No. They have not served God here; therefore they would not serve Him hereafter. They could not live in His presence, and they would feel that any place was preferable to heaven. COL 270.2

    To learn of Christ means to receive His grace, which is His character. But those who do not appreciate and utilize the precious opportunities and sacred influences granted them on earth, are not fitted to take part in the pure devotion of heaven. Their characters are not molded according to the divine similitude. By their own neglect they have formed a chasm which nothing can bridge. Between them and the righteous there is a great gulf fixed. COL 271.1

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    Ellen G. White
    Christ's Object Lessons, 346

    Whatever the line of work in which we engage, the word of God teaches us to be “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” “knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Romans 12:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:24. COL 346.1

    Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value; yet upon it the efficiency of our mental and physical powers largely depends. Our impulses and passions have their seat in the body, and it must be kept in the best condition physically and under the most spiritual influences in order that our talents may be put to the highest use. COL 346.2

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    Ellen G. White
    Education, 267

    The specific place appointed us in life is determined by our capabilities. Not all reach the same development or do with equal efficiency the same work. God does not expect the hyssop to attain the proportions of the cedar, or the olive the height of the stately palm. But each should aim just as high as the union of human with divine power makes it possible for him to reach. Ed 267.1

    Many do not become what they might, because they do not put forth the power that is in them. They do not, as they might, lay hold on divine strength. Many are diverted from the line in which they might reach the truest success. Seeking greater honor or a more pleasing task, they attempt something for which they are not fitted. Many a man whose talents are adapted for some other calling, is ambitious to enter a profession; and he who might have been successful as a farmer, an artisan, or a nurse, fills inadequately the position of a minister, a lawyer, or a physician. There are others, again, who might have filled a responsible calling, but who, for want of energy, application, or perseverance, content themselves with an easier place. Ed 267.2

    We need to follow more closely God's plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for the indications of His providence—these are rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation. Ed 267.3

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    Ellen G. White
    The Faith I Live By, 169.1

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10. FLB 169.1

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