Ecclesiastes 9:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider Ecclesiastes 9:7: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave to which you are headed, there is no work, no care, no knowledge, and no wisdom. Therefore, engage in your tasks diligently now, for once you descend to the grave, there will be no opportunity for repentance. The Saviour similarly instructs, "Work until the day is finished; the night comes when no one can work" (John 9:4). Regarding the phrase "in hell, to which you shall go," it is important to believe that Samuel (or Solomon) was indeed in the grave, and that prior to Christ's coming, even the saints were bound by the law of death.

It is a temptation that continues to captivate, offering this kind of counsel: consider what you are doing, why not indulge in a variety of foods and revel in abundance? Do you not understand that such pleasures are blessings from God meant for your enjoyment? Why not adorn yourself with clean garments and anoint your head with fragrant oil, gazing upon this or that woman and living a life of empty pursuits? Beyond this, there is nothing remaining for you, neither in this life nor in the life to come. But fulfill your obligations, for no one will hold you accountable for... the lack of two lines in the record. It is said that we shall depart into a state devoid of wisdom and emotional depth. Such is the perspective of those who cling to emptiness.

Recall, dear friends, that confession cannot arise from the depths of despair. Likewise, repentance cannot occur in that realm, for the opportunity for repentance has passed. Act swiftly while you are still in this earthly existence.

As time swiftly passes us by, dear brethren, let us strive to ensure that our good deeds are preserved for their heavenly reward. Consider the words of the wise Solomon, who advises: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Given that we are unaware of when our final hour may arrive, and that our actions are no longer possible after death, it is crucial for us to seize the opportunities presented to us while we are still alive. By doing so, we can triumph over death when it arrives, especially if we maintain a healthy reverence for it prior to its approach. This message was shared with the congregation at the church of Blessed Felix the Confessor on the occasion of his martyrdom.

Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might. Let your actions reflect the utmost of your abilities. As you possess the capacity, utilize it. Our strength is fortified by the work of the Holy Spirit. The one who possesses power but fails to enrich it spiritually does not offer due recompense. A person who overexerts themselves, not from love but from a longing for recognition or gain, commits a transgression. The one who enters into action does so uniquely, as does the one who progresses, and the one who achieves perfection does so in their own manner. Therefore, each should act according to their strength; let those who are not feeble not diminish their natural ability to choose and to strive, but they should also avoid stepping beyond their limits.

It is difficult to accept that both the righteous and the wicked face the same tragic end in life, as this can lead to a sense of arrogance in the latter. Ultimately, death arrives for both, marking the conclusion of all existence, thereby affirming the notion that enjoying the gifts of life and earthly possessions in a God-pleasing manner remains valid. Therefore, rejoice in your life and in what you own while you can; do not be anxious about anything, for if misfortune is destined to come your way, it inevitably will, and if it doesn't, you cannot predict what the future holds or how long your days will last.