> [[ecclesiastes-10|← Previous]] | [[ecclesiastes-00|TOC]] | [[ecclesiastes-12|Next →]] --- # Ecclesiastes, Chapter 11 ## Chapter 11 1 Send forth your bread upon the face of the waters; ^ecclesiastes-11-1 after a long time you may find it again. 2 Make seven, or even eight portions; ^ecclesiastes-11-2 you know not what misfortune may come upon the earth. ### No One Knows What Good Will Come 3 When the clouds are full, ^ecclesiastes-11-3 they pour out rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, wherever it falls, there shall it lie. 4 One who pays heed to the wind will never sow, ^ecclesiastes-11-4 and one who watches the clouds will never reap. 5 Just as you do not know how the life breath ^ecclesiastes-11-5 enters the human frame in the mother’s womb, So you do not know the work of God, who is working in everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, ^ecclesiastes-11-6 and at evening do not let your hand be idle: For you do not know which of the two will be successful, or whether both alike will turn out well. **Poem on Youth and Old Age.** 7 Light is sweet! and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. ^ecclesiastes-11-7 8 However many years mortals may live, let them, as they enjoy them all, remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that is to come is vanity. ^ecclesiastes-11-8 9 Rejoice, O youth, while you are young ^ecclesiastes-11-9 and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes; Yet understand regarding all this that God will bring you to judgment. 10 Banish misery from your heart ^ecclesiastes-11-10 and remove pain from your body, for youth and black hair are fleeting. \* (:1] – [2]\] These two sayings can be understood against a commercial background. They acknowledge the uncertainty and risk such activity involves. At the same time they encourage action and a spirit of adventure. The first (v. [1]) speaks of trade and overseas investment: Export your grain (“bread”) to foreign markets and you may be surprised at the substantial profits. The second (v. [2]) encourages diversification of investment (seven, or even eight shipments of grain) to insure against heavy losses. \* (:3] – [6]\] Verses [3], [4], and [6] expand on the theme of uncertainty and human inability to assess accurately every situation. Verse [4], however, comments on the disadvantages of too much caution: Only those willing to risk will enjoy success. But only the Creator knows the mystery of the “work of God” (v. [5]). \* (:7] – [10]\] The concluding part of the book opens with a final bittersweet homage to life and an enthusiastic encouragement to rejoice in its gifts while they are within grasp. \* (:10]\] Fleeting: lit., “vanity.” a. (:5]\] [Eccl 3:11]; [7:13]; [8:17]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[ecclesiastes-10|← Previous]] | [[ecclesiastes-00|TOC]] | [[ecclesiastes-12|Next →]]