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3 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. 4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
-Ecclesiastes 9:3-4 (NKJV)
One interesting aspect of the last few chapters of Ecclesiastes is their interwoven nature. An example of this is chapter 9 which actually begins in chapter 8 verses 10-17. The author, as he was carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21) starts to foreshadow the discussion in the coming chapter with a transition in the previous. I believe this also helps to reinforce the cyclical nature of the conflict between the heart and the mind.
In the New King James version, the authors place the same heading at the beginning of chapter 9 as they did in chapter 8 verse 10. Let me reprint it here:
Death Comes to All…
3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all… that they go to the dead.
Ecclesiaste 9:3 (NKJV)
As we’ve discussed up to this point, life is full of vanity, futility, chasing after the wind. This trap is made worse by the fact the clock is ticking and winding down very quickly for all of us. When it expires we have an inescapable date with destiny. Time is of the essence!
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 (NKJV)
I believe there are two primary responses to this dilemma based on two very basic dispositions an individual will have. 1. the individual will recognize his/ her need to resolve their faith before it’s too late, and will take appropriate action 2. the individual will feel entrapped and resentful and will fight back in an attempt to overthrow Heaven to overcome this obstacle. Unfortunately, #2 isn’t possible. From God’s perspective evil has already been defeated and every knee has already bent and confessed, “Jesus is Lord” (Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:9-11). This is simply part of the filtering process whereby each individual is given an honest chance to choose for themselves where they wish to take their eternal stand.
4 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 (NKJV)
We do however, need to fully convinced of God’s grace for us. As long as we’re alive, there’s hope we’ll come to our senses and make the correct decision. What is God’s will for us?
9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
-Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 (NKJV)
Under no circumstances does this express or imply a justification for a “prosperity gospel”. Our purpose is not to work and accumulate. Part of our responsibility is to work and provide for those with whom God has entrusted us. One of the most difficult things we’ll have to overcome is…ourselves. We must overcome our misconceptions about God and his character. Whether we’ve been negatively influenced by others and then project our own issues onto God, or whatever the case, we need an accurate view of God and His intention toward us.
Thus…
We transition into chapter 10, starting with chapter 9 verses 13-18. Here’s the title for the next section as provided by the authors of the NKJV: