Ecclesiastes 11
The Obligations to Be Liberal; Answers to Objections against Liberality.In this section, Solomon encourages people, especially those who are rich, to be generous and to share with others. He teaches that giving to the poor is not a loss, but a wise investment that will bring blessings later. Solomon also answers common excuses people use for not being charitable, reminding us that we do not know what the future holds, so we should do good whenever we can.v. 1: Solomon says, Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days . He means that when you give to others, even if it seems risky or like you may never see it again, you will be rewarded in time. Just as a farmer sows seed, trusting it will bring a harvest, we should give generously, trusting God to bring a return (Isaiah 32:20; Galatians 6:7 a). v. 2: He says, Give a portion to seven, and also to eight . This means we should be generous with many people, not just a few. Don’t hold back or make excuses that you’ve already given enough. Times may get hard, so it is wise to help as many as you can, just as God is generous to all (Luke 6:38 b). v. 3: Solomon answers those who say they cannot give. He says, If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth . If you have resources, use them for good. Don’t wait for the perfect time or worry about who deserves it. Like rain that falls wherever the wind blows, your kindness will reach those who need it. If you are in a place to help, do good where you are. v. 4: He warns against waiting for perfect conditions before helping others. He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap . If you keep waiting for everything to be just right, you will never act. Don’t let small problems stop you from doing good. Trust God and do what is right, even if it seems hard. v. 5: Solomon reminds us that we do not understand all of God’s ways. Thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb . Just as we do not know how a baby forms, we cannot know exactly how God will bless our giving. But we can trust that He will do what He has promised (Matthew 6:25 c). v. 6: Finally, he encourages us to do good at every opportunity. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand . Keep being generous, whether you are young or old, and do not stop helping others. We do not know which act of kindness will bring the most blessing, so we should continue doing good as long as we can (Galatians 6:9 d). A Caution to the Young; Exhortation to Early Piety.This section gives advice to both older and younger people about remembering death and living life wisely. The writer, after giving many teachings about how to live well, now explains how to be prepared to die well. He wants everyone to think about their final days and be ready for them.v. 7–8: The preacher first speaks to older people. He reminds them that life is sweet. He says, Truly the light is sweet; and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun . Seeing the light and living life is enjoyable for everyone. Life is precious, whether a person is good or bad. But we must be careful not to love life too much and forget about death. Even if someone lives for many years and enjoys them all, they should still remember that the days of darkness are coming (Ecclesiastes 11:8 e). This means that death will come, and there will be many days in the grave, which the Bible calls a land of darkness (Job 10:21 f). These days of darkness will be more than the days spent alive, but they will not last forever. It is wise to remember these days so that we do not become proud or careless. v. 8 (reminder): The preacher reminds older people again that all that cometh is vanity . Even if someone lives a long and happy life, everything in this life is still uncertain and temporary. Nothing in this world can truly satisfy us forever. v. 9: Now the preacher talks to young people. He uses irony and says, 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 . In other words, young people often want to do whatever they like and enjoy themselves. Some people might even tell them to live this way and ignore advice to be serious. But the preacher is showing that this way of thinking is foolish. If someone always follows their desires, God may allow them to continue, but it is not wise (Hosea 4:7 g).The preacher gives a strong warning: But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment . This means God will judge everyone for how they lived, especially for their pleasures and choices when they were young. Everyone will have to answer to God, and we should remember this when making decisions, especially in our youth. v. 10: The preacher continues with advice. He says, Remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh (Ecclesiastes 11:10 h). Young people should try not to let pride, anger, or sinful desires control them. They should avoid anything that brings regret or harm to their body. Sin may seem enjoyable at first, but it always leads to pain and trouble in the end. It is better to keep away from everything that could later bring sadness or punishment.
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