Ecclesiastes 9:4-10
Legacy Standard Bible
4 For whoever is joined with all the living, there is confidence; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know they will die; but the dead (A)do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for the (B)memory of them is forgotten. 6 Indeed their love, their hate, and their zeal have already perished, and they will never again have a (C)portion in all that is done under the sun.
7 Go then, (D)eat your bread in gladness and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. 8 Let your (E)clothes be white all the time, and let not (F)oil be lacking on your head. 9 See life with the woman whom you love all the days of your (G)vain life, which He has given to you under the sun—all the days of your (H)vanity; for this is your (I)portion in life and in your labor in which you have labored under the sun.
Whatever Your Hand Finds to Do
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, (J)do it with all your might; for there is no (K)working or explaining or knowledge or wisdom in (L)Sheol where you are going.
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Ecclesiastes 9:4-10
International Standard Version
4 “While someone is among the living, hope remains,” because “it is better to be a living dog than to be a dead lion.”[a]
5 At least the living know they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they no longer have a reward,
since memory about them has been forgotten.
6 Furthermore, their love, their hate, and their envy
have been long lost.
Never again will they have a part
in what happens on earth.
The Fine Art of Enjoying Life
7 Go ahead and enjoy your meals as you eat. Drink your wine with a joyful attitude, because God already has approved your actions. 8 Always keep your garments white, and don’t fail to anoint your head. 9 Find joy in living with your wife whom you love every day of your pointless life that God[b] gave you on earth, because this is your life assignment and your work to do on earth. 10 Whatever the activity in which you engage, do it with all your ability, because there is no work, no planning, no learning, and no wisdom in the next world[c] where you’re going.
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- Ecclesiastes 9:4 These are ancient proverbs.
- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Lit. he
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Lit. in Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead
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