9:2 “All things come alike to all” means that all will eventually die.
9:5, 10 When Solomon says the dead know nothing and that there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom after death, he is not contrasting life with afterlife, but life with death. After you die, you can’t change what you have done. Resurrection to a new life after death was a vague concept for Old Testament believers. It was only made clear after Jesus rose from the dead.
9:7-10 Considering the uncertainties of the future and the certainty of death, Solomon recommends enjoying life as God’s gift. He may have been criticizing those who put off all present pleasures in order to accumulate wealth, much like those who get caught up in today’s rat race. Solomon asks, “What is your wealth really worth, anyway?” Because the future is so uncertain, we should enjoy God’s gifts while we are able.
9:9 Solomon also wrote a proverb about marriage. “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22). How sad it would be to be married and not appreciate or enjoy the companion God has given you.
9:10, 11 It isn’t difficult to think of cases where the swiftest or the strongest don’t win, the wise are poor, and the skillful are unrewarded with wealth or honor. Some people see such examples and call life unfair, and they are right. The world is finite, and sin has twisted life, making it what God did not intend. Solomon is trying to reduce our expectations. The book of Proverbs emphasizes how life would go if everyone acted fairly; Ecclesiastes explains what usually happens in our sinful and imperfect world. We must keep our perspective. Don’t let the inequities of life keep you from earnest, dedicated work. We serve God, not people (see Colossians 3:23).
9:13-18 Our society honors wealth, attractiveness, and success above wisdom. Yet wisdom is a greater asset than strength, although it is often overlooked. Even though it is more effective, wisdom from people who are poor often goes unheeded. From this parable we can learn to appreciate wisdom, no matter whom it comes from.