Ecclesiastes 11
Read Ecclesiastes 11 (WEB)+
1Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days. 2Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth. 3If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there shall it be. 4He who observes the wind won’t sow; and he who regards the clouds won’t reap. 5As you don’t know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you don’t know the work of God who does all. 6In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don’t withhold your hand; for you don’t know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good. 7Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the sun. 8Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity. 9Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
World English Bible (public domain)
“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Summary
Ecclesiastes 11 advises readers to invest their resources wisely and to embrace life's uncertainties with open hands. The chapter begins by encouraging generosity and prudent risk-taking, likening it to casting one's bread upon the waters, where it will eventually return. Acknowledging that life is full of unpredictabilities, the author suggests a diversified approach to investment, understanding that only God knows what will succeed. He exhorts the reader to act despite unknowns, highlighting that waiting for perfect conditions can lead to inaction. The chapter later shifts focus towards the fleeting nature of youth and life itself, urging readers to enjoy each moment with a joyful heart while maintaining an awareness of the coming judgment. The embrace of life's opportunities is matched with a reminder of responsibility and the need to remain connected to the divine purpose.
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