Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave… I. THE SINGULAR MOMENT AND VAST IMPORTANCE OF THIS WORK. It is not possible for the mind of man to conceive a more important event than the gain or loss of a blesssed immortality. II. THE EXTENT AND COMPASS OF IT. It comprehends a great variety of particulars, none of which can safely be neglected; and requires constancy and perseverance to our lives' end. III. THE SHORTNESS AND UNCERTAINTY OF THIS PRESENT LIFE. IV. HOW PRONE WE ARE TO DECEIVE OURSELVES DOUBLY IN THIS IMPORTANT AFFAIR — not only about the sufficieney of our preparation, but also concerning the security of our title. V. LET IT BE SUPPOSED THAT A MAN HAS GONE FURTHER IN THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE THAN WAS STRICTLY NECESSARY TO SECURE HIS SALVATION; how will the consequence affect him: has he misspent his time, and lost his labour? No worthy action can be fruitless to the agent, whatever it may be in other respects. Not even a pious thought or a benevolent wish can fail of some good effect. (J. Balguy.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. |
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