1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.

2 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.

3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

10 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.

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Good and bad men fare alike as to this world.
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love, or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil; and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side there will be a vast difference between them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Their works - All events which befal them are governed by his providence, and therefore although we cannot fully understand the reasons of all, yet we may be assured they are done righteously. No man - No man can judge by their present outward condition, whether God loves or hates them; for whom he loves he chastens, and permits those whom he hates to prosper in the world.
McArther Bible Commentary
in the hand of God. There will be no inequities in the final judgment of the righteous or the wicked, because God remembers both in perfect detail.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:3 Job 12:10 Psalm 119:109 Ecclesiastes 9:6 Ecclesiastes 10:14 Jeremiah 43:6

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Good and bad men fare alike as to this world.
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love, or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil; and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side there will be a vast difference between them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All things - The good and evil things of the world equally happen to good and bad men.
McArther Bible Commentary
one thing happens to all. It is death because of universal depravity.
Bible Cross References
Job 9:22 Job 21:26 Ecclesiastes 2:14 Ecclesiastes 3:19 Ecclesiastes 6:6 Ecclesiastes 7:2 Ecclesiastes 9:3 Ecclesiastes 9:11 Jeremiah 43:6

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Good and bad men fare alike as to this world.
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love, or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil; and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side there will be a vast difference between them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
An evil - A great trouble to a good man. Is full - Of wickedness. Madness - They go on madly and desperately in evil courses. They go - After all, they die in the same manner as the best men do.
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 1:17 Ecclesiastes 2:14 Ecclesiastes 7:2 Ecclesiastes 8:11 Ecclesiastes 9:2 Ecclesiastes 9:4 Jeremiah 16:12 Jeremiah 17:9 Jeremiah 17:10

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Joined - That continues with living men. Hope - He hath not only some comfort for the present, but also hopes of further happiness in this world. Better - Much happier as to the comforts of this world.
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9:3 Ecclesiastes 9:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Die - Whereby they are taught to improve life. Any thing - Of the actions and events of this world. Reward - The fruit of their labours in this world, are utterly lost as to them. Forgotten - Even in those places where they had lived in great power and glory.
Bible Cross References
Job 14:21 Psalm 88:12 Ecclesiastes 1:11 Ecclesiastes 2:16 Ecclesiastes 8:10 Ecclesiastes 9:4 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Isaiah 26:14

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Also - They neither love, nor hate, nor envy any thing in this world, but are unconcerned in what is done under the sun.
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:10 Ecclesiastes 3:22 Ecclesiastes 9:1

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Go - Make this use of what I have said. Eat - Chearfully and thankfully enjoy thy comforts. Accepteth - Allows thee a comfortable enjoyment of his blessings.
McArther Bible Commentary
eat … drink. See notes on Ecc 2:24.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 6:20 Ecclesiastes 2:24 Ecclesiastes 7:14 Ecclesiastes 8:15 Ecclesiastes 11:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
White - The eastern people of the best sort, used white garments, especially in times of rejoicing. Ointment - Which upon joyful occasions was poured upon mens heads.
Bible Cross References
Luke 7:46 Revelation 3:4 Psalm 23:5

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Vanity - Of this vain and frail life.
McArther Bible Commentary
the wife. Cf. Pro 5:15-19 and Solomon's Song.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 5:18 Ecclesiastes 2:10 Ecclesiastes 6:12 Ecclesiastes 7:15

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
All men must die, Their portion as to this life.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Whatsoever - Whatever thou hast opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. For - Thou canst neither design nor act any thing there tending to thy own comfort or advantage.
Bible Cross References
Romans 12:11 Colossians 3:23 Genesis 37:35 1 Samuel 10:7 Job 21:13 Psalm 6:5 Ecclesiastes 9:5 Ecclesiastes 11:6 Isaiah 38:10 Isaiah 38:18

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Disappointments common.
Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they suddenly fall into destruction.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
But time - There are times or seasons, casual to men, but known by God, in which alone he will give men success.
McArther Bible Commentary
time and chance. Wisdom cannot guarantee good outcomes because of what appear to be so many unpredictable contingencies.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 8:17 Deuteronomy 8:18 1 Samuel 6:9 2 Chronicles 20:15 Psalm 76:5 Proverbs 1:5 Ecclesiastes 9:2 Jeremiah 9:23 Amos 2:14 Amos 2:15 Zechariah 4:6

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Disappointments common.
Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they suddenly fall into destruction.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His time - The time of his death, or other distress which God is bringing upon him. Are taken - While they are sporting and feeding themselves. When - When they are most careless and secure.
McArther Bible Commentary
his time. This refers to the time of man's misfortune, especially death (cf. Ecc 11:8, "days of darkness"; Ecc 12:1, "difficult days").
Bible Cross References
Luke 21:34 Luke 21:35 Proverbs 7:23 Proverbs 29:6 Ecclesiastes 3:19 Ecclesiastes 8:7 Ecclesiastes 9:13 Isaiah 24:18 Hosea 9:8

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Benefits of wisdom.
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
This wisdom - I have observed this among many other instances of wisdom. Which he adds for the commendation of wisdom, notwithstanding its insufficiency for man's happiness without God's blessing.
McArther Bible Commentary
Wisdom may not receive its due in this life.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:22 Ecclesiastes 7:19 Ecclesiastes 9:12 Ecclesiastes 9:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Benefits of wisdom.
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
Bible Cross References
Luke 19:43 Deuteronomy 20:20 2 Samuel 20:16 Ecclesiastes 9:13

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Benefits of wisdom.
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Yet - He was soon neglected and his great service forgotten.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 40:23 2 Samuel 20:22 Proverbs 21:22 Ecclesiastes 2:16 Ecclesiastes 4:13 Ecclesiastes 8:10

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Benefits of wisdom.
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
McArther Bible Commentary
This is true because man lacks status and position.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 8:14 Proverbs 21:22 Ecclesiastes 7:12 Ecclesiastes 7:19 Ecclesiastes 9:18

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Benefits of wisdom.
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of wise men - Though poor. In quiet - Uttered with a modest and low voice. The cry - The clamorous discourses of a rich and potent, but foolish man.
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:5 Ecclesiastes 10:12

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Benefits of wisdom.
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 7:1 2 Kings 21:2 Ecclesiastes 2:13 Ecclesiastes 7:12 Ecclesiastes 9:16