Everything that comes to hand to do, do it with determination. Because in Sheol, where you are going, there are no works, no accounts, no knowledge, no wisdom.
Everything… at hand to do. Num 13:30; 1Ch 22:19; 1Ch 28:20; 1Ch 29:2, 1Ch 29:3; 2Ch 31:20, 2Ch 31:21; Ezra 6:14, Ezra 6:15; Neh 2:12-20; Neh 3:1-16; Neh 4:2, Neh 4:6, Neh 4:9-13, Neh 4:17-23; Neh 13:8-31; Ps 71:15-18; Jer 29:13; Matt 6:33; Joh 4:34; Romans 12:11; Romans 15:18-20; 1Co 9:24, 1Co 9:26; 1Co 15:10; 1Co 16:10; Eph 5:16; Col 3:23; 2Pe 1:12-15.
because in Sheol. Eccl 9:5, Eccl 9:6; Eccl 11:3; Job 14:7-12; Ps 6:5; Ps 88:10-12; Isaiah 38:18, Isaiah 38:19; Joh 9:4; Acts 20:25-31.
Source: The Treasury of Biblical Knowledge
The apostle Paul may have had this verse in mind when he wrote, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col 3:23).
for in Sheol…there is no work: This statement does not deny a future state after death. However, in relation to this world the possibilities of working and learning cease. If we are planning to do something for the glory of God in this world, we had better do it while we still have time (Joh 9:4).
Source: New Illustrated Caribbean Bible Commentary
DO IT ACCORDING TO YOUR STRENGTH. Whatever work is done must be done wholeheartedly, as to the Lord (see Col 3:23).
Source: Full Life Study Bible
— realm of the dead: Lit. sheol, also sometimes translated as “abyss”; see BIBLICAL VOCABULARY.
Source: Hispano-American Interdenominational Translation
GRADES
(1) “In Sheol.” Heb., bischʹohl; T: “the house of the grave”; Gr., hai·dei; lat.: in·fe·ros. See App. 4B.
CROSS-REFERENCES
z 387 2Ch 31:21
to 388 Isa 38:18
b 389 Ps 146:4
c 390 Gen 37:35; 1Ki 2:6; Isaiah 5:14
d 391 Ps 115:17
Source: New World Translation
do it according to your strength. Human activities must be performed wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm and promptness (cp. Col 3:1723).
activity or purpose or knowledge or wisdom. These terms describe man’s ability to work, invent new things, use the knowledge he has accumulated, and make wise decisions.
Sheol. That is, the grave, which swallows all human capacity and activity.
Source: The Bible of the Americas
Solomon adds a new dimension to his advice regarding life. Although much of life is vanity, man has to take hold of his opportunities and use them to the full to serve God. Those opportunities will not exist in the grave (cf. Joh 9:4). Every man has a responsibility that is fulfilled in this life or never fulfilled.
Source: Ryrie Annotated Study Bible
Ie, region of the dead