Ecclesiastes 9:6 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Also their love, &c.— We have from Ecclesiastes 9:4 to the present, the second reason. It is certain, that the dead are excluded from any participation, not only of the pleasure of this world, but likewise of all affairs belonging to it. The most unfortunate in the world may hope to see a happy change in their circumstances; at least they know that death shall put an end to all their troubles: but the dead have no sort of knowledge of what passes in this world; their expectations with respect to it are buried with them; and there is neither reward for, nor scarce a remembrance of their actions. No regard is paid to what they loved, or hated, or envied. The influence of their passions and affections over human affairs is at an end, Ecclesiastes 9:4-6. Upon this double ground, viz. the consideration of earthly enjoyments, and the impossibility that the dead should partake of them, is grounded the preference expressed in the vulgar saying, a living dog hath better hopes, or a better chance, than a dead lion. Our author, who has always an eye to useful conclusions, cannot resolve to part with the above-mentioned facts, without suggesting two right inferences which men ought to draw from them. See on Ecclesiastes 9:9-10.