Ecclesiastes 11
Ecclesiastes 11 is part of “Death, Chance, and Seizing the Day” (9:1–11:6) in the outline of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 11 summary
In this chapter we have, I. A pressing exhortation to works of charity and bounty to the poor, as the best cure of the vanity which our worldly riches are subject to and the only way of making them turn to a substantial good account (Ecc 11:1-6). II. A serious admonition to prepare for death and judgment, and to begin betimes, even in the days of our youth, to do so (Ecc 11:7-10).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Ecclesiastes 11 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters
1Cast thy bread vpon the waters: for after many daies thou shalt finde it. 2Giue a portion to seuen, and also to eight: for thou knowest not what euill shalbe vpon ye earth. 3If the clouds be full, they wil powre forth raine vpon the earth: and if the tree doe fall toward the South, or toward the North, in the place that the tree falleth, there it shalbe. 4He that obserueth ye winde, shall not sow, and he that regardeth the cloudes, shall not reape. 5As thou knowest not which is ye way of the spirit, nor how the bones doe growe in the wombe of her that is with child: so thou knowest not the worke of God that worketh all. 6In the morning sowe thy seede, and in the euening let not thine hand rest: for thou knowest not whither shall prosper, this or that, or whether both shalbe a like good.
Rejoice in Your Youth
7Surely the light is a pleasant thing: and it is a good thing to the eyes to see the sunne. 8Though a man liue many yeeres, and in them all he reioyce, yet hee shall remember the daies of darkenesse, because they are manie, all that commeth is vanitie. 9Reioyce, O yong man, in thy youth, and let thine heart cheere thee in the dayes of thy youth: and walke in the waies of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but knowe that for all these things, God wil bring thee to iudgement. 10Therefore take away griefe out of thine heart, and cause euil to depart from thy flesh: for childehood and youth are vanitie.