11 1 To be liberal to the poor. 4 Not to doubt of God’s providence. 8 All worldly prosperity is but vanity. 9 God will judge all.
1 Cast thy bread upon the [a]waters: for after many days thou shalt find it.
2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight: for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
3 If the [b]clouds be full, they will pour forth rain upon the earth: and if the [c]tree do fall toward the South, or toward the North, in the place that the tree falleth, there it shall be.
4 He that observeth the [d]wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds, shall not reap.
5 As thou knowest not which is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: so thou knowest not the work of God that worketh all.
6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening let not thine hand [e]rest: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, this or [f]that, or whether both shall be a like good.
7 Surely the light is a pleasant thing: and it is a good thing to the eyes to see the sun.
8 Though a man live many years, and in them all he rejoice, yet he shall remember the days of [g]darkness, because they are many, all that cometh is vanity.
9 [h]Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thine 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 that for all these things, God will bring thee to judgment.
10 Therefore take away [i]grief out of thine heart, and cause evil [j]to depart from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 11:1 That is, be liberal to the poor, and though it seem to be as a thing ventured on the sea, yet it shall bring thee profit.
- Ecclesiastes 11:3 As the clouds that are full, pour out rain, so the rich that have abundance, must distribute it liberally.
- Ecclesiastes 11:3 He exhorteth to be liberal while we live: for after, there is no power.
- Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that feareth inconveniences, when necessity requireth, shall never do his duty.
- Ecclesiastes 11:6 Be not weary of well doing.
- Ecclesiastes 11:6 That is, which of thy works are most agreeable to God.
- Ecclesiastes 11:8 That is, of affliction and trouble.
- Ecclesiastes 11:9 He derideth them that set their delight in worldly pleasures, as though God would not call count.
- Ecclesiastes 11:10 To wit, anger, and envy.
- Ecclesiastes 11:10 Meaning, carnal lusts, whereunto youth is given.