Ecclesiastes 11
-This brief chapter is the carpe diem section of Ecclesiastes as Solomon relates how risk and opportunity play into our earthly existence. He advises us to cast our bread upon the surface of the waters, and we will find it after many days. We should divide our portion to seven, or even to eight, due to the fact that we don’t know what misfortunate may occur on the earth. In other words, do not hoard in life. If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth. And, it doesn’t matter which way a tree falls, there it lies. The person who just watches the wind will not sow, and he who simply observes the clouds will not reap. That person is lazy. We cannot know the path of the wind or exactly how the LORD forms the bones of a baby in the womb. In the same way, we do not know the activity of God who is the Maker of all things. Therefore, the Preacher advises that we sow our seed in the morning and resist being idle in the evening because we don’t exactly know when we will succeed, and both times could be good if we are working. “The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun (Ecclesiastes 11:1-7).”
-Solomon wants everyone to rejoice in all the years of our lives remembering the days of darkness, “for they will be many.” Negatively, due to the nature of this cursed world, he states that everything in this realm will come to futility. He ends by telling the young to rejoice during childhood letting the heart be pleasant during the days of youth and following the impulses of the heart and the desires of the eyes. However, we had better know that God will bring everything we do in this world into judgment before Him. Therefore, the king tells the young to remove anger and grief from the heart and put away all forms of pain from the body, “because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 11:8-10).”
-*Application* It behooves us to seize the day, but we must remember that we are accountable unto the LORD. He is always watching us, and only through His Son, Jesus Christ, can we have forgiveness for the inevitable mistakes that we will make in life. Thankfully, He is redeeming those who trust in Him and receive the grace that He gives freely. Therefore, work hard, take chances, and fulfill the purposes of God in life remembering that all good and perfect things come from the Father (James 1:17). Also, forget about the heartaches of this world and walk in the light. “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4).”
Verses to Memorize: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
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