Ecclesiastes 11
Lutheran reading notes
In Ecclesiastes chapter 11, the wisdom literature continues to explore the meaning of life and reverence for God amid life's vanity. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. {upon...: Heb. upon the face of the waters}
Ecclesiastes 11:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty {themselves} upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
Ecclesiastes 11:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
As thou knowest not what {is} the way of the spirit, {nor} how the bones {do grow} in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both {shall be} alike good. {shall prosper: Heb. shall be right}
Ecclesiastes 11:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Truly the light {is} sweet, and a pleasant {thing it is} for the eyes to behold the sun:
Ecclesiastes 11:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
But if a man live many years, {and} rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh {is} vanity.
Ecclesiastes 11:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
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: but know thou, that for all these {things} God will bring thee into judgment.
Ecclesiastes 11:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth {are} vanity. {sorrow: or, anger}
Ecclesiastes 11:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.