Ecclesiastes Part 18

The section begins with a sobering observation, 

"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 "one thing" that happens to all is death. Solomon has just explained that the righteous and the wicked alike eventually experience the same physical end. From a human perspective, this seems troubling. We naturally expect clear distinctions between the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness. Yet death appears to level all distinctions.

When Solomon calls this an "evil," he is not saying that death is morally evil in itself. Rather, he means that it is a grievous and distressing reality. Death was never part of God's original purpose for mankind. It entered human experience because of sin.

Human beings possess remarkable intelligence and creativity, yet history repeatedly demonstrates mankind's tendency toward selfishness, pride, violence, and rebellion against God. We refer to this as human nature.  Solomon is not describing every action of every individual as evil. Rather, he is recognizing the powerful influence of human nature apart from God's guidance.

The tragedy is that many spend their lives pursuing vanity, pleasure, wealth, status, or self-interest, only to arrive at the same destination: the grave. Without God's purpose, life can appear frustratingly temporary.

Yet Solomon immediately turns from this somber reality to a message of hope, 

"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 marks a significant transition. Despite death's certainty, hope remains for the living. In the ancient Near East, dogs were generally viewed as lowly scavengers. Lions, on the other hand, symbolized power, strength, and nobility. Solomon's comparison would have surprised his audience. Yet his point is simple. No matter how impressive a lion may have been, once dead it has no opportunity left. A living dog, though humble, still possesses something valuable: life.

As long as a person lives, there remains opportunity to learn, grow, repent, overcome, and respond to God's calling. There remains time to develop character and prepare for the Kingdom of God. The Bible consistently presents physical life as a precious gift because it provides the opportunity to seek God. 

"Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." (Isaiah 55:6).

Solomon continues to explain why life matters, 

"For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten" (Ecclesiastes 9:5).

This verse is one of the clearest statements in Scripture regarding the condition of the dead. Solomon explains that the living possess awareness, but the dead do not. The dead are not conscious observers watching events unfold on earth. They are not participating in human affairs. Their thoughts, emotions, and activities have ceased.

The Bible describes death as a state of unconsciousness, often compared to sleep, from which people will awaken through resurrection. The hope of God's people is not immediate conscious existence after death but resurrection to life through Jesus Christ.  

Solomon adds, 

"Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 9:6).

The focus here is on earthly affairs. The emotions, ambitions, relationships, conflicts, and pursuits that once occupied a person's attention are no longer active after death. Their participation in the present physical world has ended.

Having established both the certainty of death and the value of life, Solomon now gives practical instruction: 

"Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works" (Ecclesiastes 9:7).

This is not an invitation to selfish indulgence. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon repeatedly encourages gratitude for the blessings God provides. The ability to enjoy food, family, work, and daily blessings is itself a gift from God. For those who fear God and seek His ways, daily blessings should be received with thankfulness rather than anxiety.

Solomon continues, 

"Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil" (Ecclesiastes 9:8). 

White garments and anointed oil symbolized joy, celebration, cleanliness, and well-being. Solomon's point is that God's people should not approach life with constant gloom or despair. Awareness of death should not produce hopelessness. Instead, it should motivate faithful and joyful living.

Therefore, the proper response is neither fear nor despair. It is gratitude, diligence, and joyful obedience. Each opportunity to serve God matters. Each relationship matters. The reminder that life is temporary should motivate us to use the time God has given wisely, trusting in His plan and looking forward to the resurrection and the fulfillment of His Kingdom.

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.

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.