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.
Whatever work you find to do, put your whole heart and strength into it, because once you die and go to the grave, there will be no more working, planning, learning, or using wisdom.
The writer is urging us to live fully and work wholeheartedly while we're alive, because death ends all earthly opportunities.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Ecclesiastes, written by someone who had experienced the heights of wealth, wisdom, and power (traditionally attributed to King Solomon). The book reflects on the meaning of life and the reality of death that comes to all people. In ancient Hebrew thought, the grave (Sheol) was seen as a place of inactivity and silence, unlike the vibrant life God intended for the living.
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