Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back.
Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth.
When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
Whoever observes the wind will not sow; and whoever regards the clouds will not reap.
Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything.
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.
Even those who live many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Banish anxiety from your mind and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
Deeper Dive into the Passage
The writer, traditionally believed to be Solomon, encourages embracing life’s uncertainties. The advice to “sow your seed in the morning and at evening” suggests that we should not be paralysed by fear of failure. This reflects a timeless truth: success often comes from persistent effort rather than waiting for perfect conditions. The passage highlights the mystery of God’s work, comparing it to the unknown process of life forming in the womb. This suggests a call to trust in God’s plan, even when it is not fully understood. In today’s context, this can be seen as an encouragement to have faith amidst life’s unpredictability. The exhortation to rejoice in youth while remembering God’s judgment balances enjoyment with accountability. This duality is relevant today, reminding us to cherish life’s moments while being mindful of our actions’ consequences.
Historically, Ecclesiastes was written during a time of reflection on life’s meaning, possibly during the post-exilic period. The audience, likely Israelites facing uncertainty, would find solace in these teachings. Today, we can relate this to modern life’s unpredictability, such as economic fluctuations, encouraging us to act wisely and trust in a greater plan. Regarding historical accuracy, Ecclesiastes is more philosophical than historical, focusing on wisdom literature’s timeless truths rather than specific events.
Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back.
Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth.
When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
Whoever observes the wind will not sow; and whoever regards the clouds will not reap.
Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything.
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.
Even those who live many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Banish anxiety from your mind and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
Deeper Dive into the Passage
The writer, traditionally believed to be Solomon, encourages embracing life’s uncertainties. The advice to “sow your seed in the morning and at evening” suggests that we should not be paralysed by fear of failure. This reflects a timeless truth: success often comes from persistent effort rather than waiting for perfect conditions. The passage highlights the mystery of God’s work, comparing it to the unknown process of life forming in the womb. This suggests a call to trust in God’s plan, even when it is not fully understood. In today’s context, this can be seen as an encouragement to have faith amidst life’s unpredictability. The exhortation to rejoice in youth while remembering God’s judgment balances enjoyment with accountability. This duality is relevant today, reminding us to cherish life’s moments while being mindful of our actions’ consequences.
Historically, Ecclesiastes was written during a time of reflection on life’s meaning, possibly during the post-exilic period. The audience, likely Israelites facing uncertainty, would find solace in these teachings. Today, we can relate this to modern life’s unpredictability, such as economic fluctuations, encouraging us to act wisely and trust in a greater plan. Regarding historical accuracy, Ecclesiastes is more philosophical than historical, focusing on wisdom literature’s timeless truths rather than specific events.