Ecclesiastes Part 17

Ecclesiastes 9 continues Solomon's examination of life "under the sun." Throughout the book, he carefully observes the world as it appears from a human perspective and repeatedly encounters situations that seem difficult to reconcile with simple expectations of justice and fairness. In Ecclesiastes 9:1–4, Solomon addresses one of the most troubling realities of human existence: the fact that death comes to everyone regardless of their character, status, or apparent righteousness.

"For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them." (Ecclesiastes 9:1)

Solomon begins with a conclusion reached through careful reflection. He says that "the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God." This statement establishes the foundation for everything that follows. God remains sovereign. He is actively involved in the affairs of His people. Nothing happens outside His awareness or ultimate control.

Yet Solomon immediately acknowledges a difficulty. Human beings cannot always determine God's favor or displeasure by observing outward circumstances. The phrase "people know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them" points to the limitations of human judgment. Prosperity does not automatically demonstrate God's approval, nor does suffering automatically indicate His disfavor.

This observation challenges a common human assumption. We naturally expect visible blessings to accompany righteousness and visible troubles to accompany wickedness. Scripture certainly teaches that obedience brings blessings and sin brings consequences. However, Solomon recognizes that in the present age the relationship is not always immediately apparent. God's purposes often extend beyond what can be observed in the moment.

The example of Job illustrates this principle well. Job suffered intensely, yet his suffering was not evidence of God's rejection. In fact, Job remained under God's care even while enduring severe trials. Outward events alone did not reveal God's complete purpose.

Solomon then moves to an even more striking observation.

"All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; to the good, the clean, and the unclean; to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice" (Ecclesiastes 9:2).

The "one event" Solomon refers to is death. Regardless of spiritual condition, wealth, social standing, or religious practice, every human being eventually dies.

This reality can seem troubling. The righteous strive to obey God. The wicked reject His ways. Yet both experience the same physical end. Solomon lists several contrasts: righteous and wicked, clean, and unclean, religious and irreligious. Despite these differences, all eventually face death.

At first glance this may appear unfair. However, Solomon is describing the physical reality of life in a fallen world. Death entered humanity through sin and affects all mankind.

"For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:21).

The Bible never presents physical death as the final verdict on a person's life. Rather, it is a temporary condition awaiting resurrection. From a biblical perspective, the fact that death comes to everyone does not eliminate justice. It merely postpones final judgment until God's appointed time.

The recently approved UCG doctrine paper on the resurrection emphasizes that God's plan includes a carefully ordered sequence culminating in the resurrection at the seventh trumpet and subsequent judgments according to His purpose. The apparent inequalities of this present life will ultimately be addressed within God's plan of salvation.  

Solomon continues: 

"This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead" (Ecclesiastes 9:3).

The word "evil" here refers not to moral evil but to a grievous or troubling circumstance. Solomon finds it distressing that death appears to make no distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

Yet he also observes another reality: the condition of the human heart. Human beings often misuse the time they are given. Instead of learning wisdom and seeking God, many fill their lives with vanity, selfishness, and rebellion. Solomon's statement aligns with other biblical descriptions of human nature.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).

Without God's Spirit, human thinking tends toward self-interest and self-deception. Solomon recognizes that this condition persists throughout life and ultimately ends in death. However, the passage does not conclude with despair: 

"But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion" (Ecclesiastes 9:4).

This verse provides the key lesson of the section. As long as life remains, hope remains. In Solomon's culture, dogs were generally viewed as lowly animals, while lions symbolized strength, power, and nobility. Yet even a living dog possesses something a dead lion does not: opportunity. The living can repent. The living can grow in wisdom. The living can change. The living can respond to God's calling.

This perspective fits beautifully within the broader biblical understanding of salvation. God has given human beings time to seek Him, develop godly character, and prepare for the future He has planned. Life may contain uncertainties. Circumstances may not always reveal God's purposes. Death may come to all. Yet while we live, God's calling remains available and His purpose continues.

Ecclesiastes 9:1–4 therefore teaches two complementary truths. First, life under the sun often appears puzzling because God's judgments are not always immediately visible. Second, despite these uncertainties, our lives remain in God's hand, and every day of life provides valuable opportunity to seek Him.

Rather than leading to pessimism, Solomon's words encourage humility, realism, and gratitude. We may not fully understand God's purposes in every circumstance, but we can trust His sovereignty, recognize the brevity of life, and use the time He gives us wisely. As long as we are among the living, there is hope, and that hope ultimately rests in God's plan of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.

Wisdom Literature is a course taught at ABC by Dr. Urwiller. Recordings from the 2018–2019 class year are available to listen to on the ABC website.