In times past I have had a hard time with 3:19:
For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same, as one dies so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts for all is vanity.
So is man's fate really the same as the animals? And does that mesh with the rest of the Bible?
As always we must go to the context for a proper understanding. In this immediate context the "preacher" is making the point that "God will judge the righteous and the wicked for there is a time and matter for every work." The main point seems to be that you don't worry about the future, but that man should rejoice in his work now. Enjoy life, because just like the animals, you aren't going to live forever.
As far as what the rest of the Bible says on this matter. From this book alone we see in this book alone (12:7, 3:21) that mankind has an immortal soul while animals do not. No where are we told that with animals to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord (II Cor. 5:8). Likewise, no where does the Bible speak of the resurrection of animals as it does for human beings (John 5, Rev. 20). So yes, while not in the physical realm, there is obviously a huge distinction between the death of man and animal in the spiritual realm.
Let's go back again to the main point, don't let this sidetrack you from the message of the text. You will one day return to dust, don't stress about a legacy or the future or be apprehensive about the next year, take joy and satisfaction in the good gifts God gave you today.
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