1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.
9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom and reflection, attributed to King Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible. The book is a contemplation on the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. In chapter 11, Solomon continues to explore the theme of the vanity and futility of life, but also offers some practical advice on how to live a meaningful life.
The chapter begins with a reminder of the uncertainty of life. Solomon advises his readers to cast their bread upon the waters, for they do not know what disaster may come upon the land. This metaphor suggests that we should be prepared for unexpected events and not be too attached to our possessions or plans. Life is full of uncertainties, and we must learn to accept that we cannot control everything.
Solomon also points out the unpredictability of the weather, using the analogy of clouds and wind. Just as we cannot control the wind or the clouds, we cannot control the events of our lives. This serves as a reminder to not put too much emphasis on material possessions or achievements, as they can easily be taken away.
In the next section, Solomon encourages his readers to take risks and not be afraid of failure. He uses the analogy of sowing seeds, saying that those who wait for perfect conditions will never get anything done. This is a reminder that in order to achieve great things, we must be willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zones.
Solomon also emphasizes the importance of diversifying our investments, both in business and in life. He advises us to divide our wealth into seven or eight portions, as we do not know what disaster may come upon the land. This serves as a reminder to not put all our eggs in one basket and to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Solomon then shifts his focus to the enjoyment of life. He encourages his readers to rejoice in their youth and to follow the desires of their hearts. However, he also reminds them that they will be held accountable for their actions by their Creator. This is a reminder to live life to the fullest, but also to do so with wisdom and consideration for our ultimate purpose and accountability to God.
Solomon also warns against the pursuit of pleasure and the dangers of indulging in excess. He reminds us that for every action, there will be consequences, and that we must be mindful of our choices and actions in life.
In the final section of the chapter, Solomon reflects on the inevitability of death. He reminds us that no one knows the time or manner of their death, and that we must be prepared for it at all times. This serves as a reminder to live each day with purpose and to not take life for granted.
Solomon also reflects on the idea of life after death, saying that the spirit returns to God who gave it. This is a reminder that our time on earth is temporary, and that our ultimate destination is with God.
The main themes of Ecclesiastes chapter 11 can be summarized as the uncertainty of life, the importance of taking risks, the enjoyment of life with wisdom, and the inevitability of death. Solomon reminds us that life is full of uncertainties and that we must learn to accept and adapt to them. He also encourages us to take risks and not be afraid of failure, but also to do so with wisdom and consideration for our ultimate purpose and accountability to God.
The chapter also serves as a reminder to enjoy life, but to do so in moderation and with consideration for the consequences of our actions. It also reflects on the inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for it at all times.
Overall, Ecclesiastes chapter 11 offers a balanced perspective on life, reminding us to live with purpose and wisdom, while also acknowledging the uncertainties and inevitabilities of life. It serves as a reminder to not become too attached to material possessions or achievements, but to focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life in the eyes of God.
Ecclesiastes chapter 11 is a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. It offers practical advice on how to live a meaningful life, while also acknowledging the uncertainties and inevitabilities of life. It serves as a reminder to not become too attached to material possessions or achievements, but to focus on living a purposeful life in the eyes of God. Ultimately, the chapter reminds us to enjoy life, but to do so with wisdom and consideration for our ultimate purpose and accountability to God.
Share this page