Comment 1
In Ecclesiastes 9:2-6 I learn the painful truth that everyone has the same end: death. It does not matter if we are righteous or wicked, rich or poor—in the end, we all die. This passage gives us a very clear understanding of the condition of the dead: “they know nothing at all,” “they no longer have any share in anything that is done under the sun.” This benefits us by reminding us of the importance of using our time wisely while we are alive. It helps us not to fear the dead nor to honor them in ways the Bible does not support.
Comment 2
In Ecclesiastes 9:4 there is a gem of great wisdom: “Better a living dog than a dead lion.” It teaches me that even the humblest, simplest life is more valuable than the splendor and power of a great “lion” who has died, because life gives us the opportunity to serve Jehovah and to have hope. This benefits us by reminding us that as long as we are alive, we have the opportunity to repent, to love, and to do what is good.
Comment 3
In Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 I learn the great advice to enjoy the simple things of life. It teaches me that we should eat, drink, and enjoy life with our wife because the true God “is already pleased with [our] activities.” This benefits us by helping us see happiness as a gift from Jehovah. It encourages us to find joy in the things we have, in our relationships, and in our daily work instead of looking for happiness in grand ambitions.
Comment 4
In Ecclesiastes 9:10 is one of the most important gems of the whole book: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in the Grave, the place where you are going.” It teaches me the urgency of serving Jehovah now, while we are alive and have the opportunity. This benefits us by motivating us to be zealous in preaching and in God’s service, because the time to do so is now.
Comment 5
In Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12 I learn that “the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty always win the battle,” since “unexpected events” befall all. It teaches me that success in life does not depend only on skill or power but also on chance and “time and unforeseen events.” This benefits us by helping us be humble and not to rely on our own abilities. It reminds us that our only security is in Jehovah.
Comment 6
In Ecclesiastes 9:16, 17 there is a very realistic gem of wisdom: “Wisdom is better than strength... yet the wisdom of the poor is despised.” It teaches me that although wisdom is more valuable than strength, it is often ignored or despised if it comes from a humble person. This benefits us by reminding us that we should not judge others by their social status or wealth but by the wisdom they have.