Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 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.
I can read this section of verses from two different standpoints—human and spiritual. I tend to think that Solomon is thinking more from the spiritual perspective since he is referencing God’s approval of one’s efforts to enjoy life. There is no reference to enjoyment of anything except that of which God would approve. The reference to always wearing white garments would seem to make reference to clothing oneself in purity and righteousness. An anointed head would seem to be a reference to God’s blessing upon one’s life.
Revelation 3:4-5 “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment….”
Revelation 19:8 “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
Psalms 23:5-6 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
He also emphasizes a lifetime commitment to one’s wife, so it would seem that he eventually came to understand the wisdom of God’s purpose for marriage as stated from the beginning.
Genesis 2:24 “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Solomon does, however, still reference this life as one of vanity (empty and unsatisfactory); and we know that from a spiritual outlook this is not true. He also references physical death as the “end of life” so to speak, and again we know this is not true. It is however, the end of all opportunity to act and choose regarding one’s eternal destiny.
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