Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
WhatsApp
Copy
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
WhatsApp
Copy
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.
WhatsApp
Copy
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
WhatsApp
Copy
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.
WhatsApp
Copy
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.
WhatsApp
Copy
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
WhatsApp
Copy
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.
WhatsApp
Copy
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.
WhatsApp
Copy
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
WhatsApp
Copy
Ecclesiastes 11 Study & Commentary
The "Call to Risk." Because the future is unknown ("thou knowest not what evil shall be"), the believer must be generous ("cast thy bread") and diligent in multiple ventures. The chapter transitions into a warning to the "Young Man" to rejoice in his youth but to keep the "Judgment of God" in constant view.
THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
1. Faith in the Unknown: The inability to "know the works of God" (v. 5) should lead to action, not paralysis. Providence encourages industry, not fatalism.2. The Law of Sowing: Diversification (v. 2) is a biblical principle for navigating an uncertain world.
PRACTICAL LESSONS
1. Joy with Responsibility: Rejoicing in youth while remembering that God will bring "all these things into judgment" (v. 9).2. Removing Sorrow: Putting away "evil from thy flesh" while the body is strong.
