Ecclesiastes 9

V 1–3: DESTINY From his purely human and worldly vantage point, the writer sees a common destiny for all. All must die. V 4–6: DEAD He then considers the fate of the dead and concludes that it nullifies everything for everyone. Thus, ‘a living dog is better than a dead lion’. It is important to know that his vantage point is simply ‘under the sun’ and eternity is not under consideration here. V 7–10: DETERMINATION Seeing the futility of life, he then counsels a determination to enjoy life, to be well dressed, and to enjoy married life. Work hard now, because there will be no work afterwards! In other words, without taking eternity into view, live this life to the full. V 11–12: DOOMED But this leads him to the dead-end view that all men are doomed, and one day will be caught in the snare or trap of death. Nobody knows when. This is how many people without Christ see life today. V 13–17: DEMONSTRATION Solomon notes a demonstration of wisdom that impressed him. A poor man saved a city by his wisdom. His wisdom is remembered but the poor man is forgotten. He feels this deeply and urges that wise words should be heard and valued.