Charles Bridges
An edited extract from Bridges’ Exposition of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 9:10. 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.
We are warranted to indulge affection within marriage, and among relations and friends more generally; but we should not be given up to them. We here have a rule, to stimulate the glow of vital energy. There are works to be done, difficulties to be overcome, talents to be traded with; the whole might is to be engaged. And, in truth, “man’s wisdom in this dying world consists in cheerfully using present comforts and diligently attending to present duties”. Every moment brings its own responsibility. And the rule for the discharge of this responsibility is: “Whatsoever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”. Obviously some limitation is implied: it must be lawful. The thing to be done is what the occasion calls for (see Judg 9:33), in the path of duty and of providence. The active exercise of the hands, as the instrument of the work, will bring a fruitful result. This direction finds its place in the apostolical code: “Not slothful in business” (Rom 12:11).
Thomas Scott’ Commentary (on Ecc 9:10).
“Do it with thy might.” Sir Matthew Hales’ advice is full of weight: “The crumbs and fragments of time should be furnished with their suitable employments. It is precious; and therefore let none of it be lost.” How ready this obedience is when the object is near the heart! What energy it gives to that effort which is so needful for success. Would Stephenson have accomplished his locomotive triumph, with a powerful opposition thwarting every step of his progress, if he had not done it with his might? Every man must have an object of pursuit to keep him in healthy exercise. The dreaming privilege of doing nothing will soon melt away into real misery. “Let others take the riches”, said Melancthon. “Give me the work.”
But the main sphere for this important and invaluable rule is the work for eternity – the working out of our own salvation (Phil 2:12). The purchase price binds us to the work under the most constraining obligation: “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor 6:20). We cease to be our own, from the first moment that we are bound to Christ. And in His work, there is need of our might, all our might – might flowing from the fountain of might. There is no illusion of great things to be done at some distant time in the future. It is the present energy, this moment’s work, the instant sacrifice, the wholehearted service, the first part of the day, the first part all the day.
Whoever found Satan asleep in his work? “It is lawful”, the proverb reminds us, “to be taught even by an enemy.” His might is always put out to work. So let it be with me. Let my might be thrown into every prayer. Let every effort of faith, every exercise of perseverance, be at work. As a godly Puritan expresses his “good wish that, what my hand findeth to do, I may do it with all my might: that I may be of the number of those that spend themselves with labour, and not of those who waste in rust and laziness. Lord, let me rather wear out in the work than consume (like a garment laid by with moths) for want of use.”
George Swinnock, in his Christian Man’s Calling.
Ought this verse not to be our daily text – written in our inward parts? Should it not be before us in our first waking hour: What have I to do today? What duty, what work of love? What talent is to be employed? What service does the Lord call me to do for Him? “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). The more vigorous the exercise, the more strength. Every step supplies strength. “The way of the Lord is strength to the upright” (Prov 10:29). And how is it communicated? “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Is 40:29-31).
But look at our great Example. How fine is the exhibition of determination for the work: “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day”. Here was doing with His might; the motive also was the same: “The night cometh, when no man can work” (Jn 9:4).
“There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Here the highest glory of earth concludes. You are travelling to the end. Every moment brings you nearer. And when you have come to the grave, there is no work there. We cannot do our undone duties there. All power has withered and gone. There is no device there. All scheming is gone. No way of escape can be planned. No knowledge is there of any means of help. No wisdom – spiritual or intellectual – nothing that distinguishes man made in the image of God from “the beasts that perish”.
A melancholy picture of man: arrived at “the house appointed for all living” (Job 30:23). What if he has trifled away his twelve hours of the day (Jn 11:9), if his light has gone out, if his work has been found undone, if the night has overtaken him, while amusing himself with the fool’s word, to-morrow? If religion is no business now, what will it be in the dying hour? One day may be worth years. Wasted hours will find us out at last. A little neglect will be an eternal loss. O the dreadful gain of winning the world by the loss of heaven! There will be but one wail throughout eternity – condemning self, justifying God – My soul, thou hast destroyed thyself (Hos 13:9). For our great work we have only one little life which, with all its precious privileges and solemn responsibilities, is passing – how quickly – away!