11 1 To be liberal to the poor. 4 Not to doubt of God’s providence. 8 All worldly prosperity is but vanity. 9 God will judge all.

Cast thy bread upon the [a]waters: for after many days thou shalt find it.

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight: for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

If the [b]clouds be full, they will pour forth rain upon the earth: and if the [c]tree do fall toward the South, or toward the North, in the place that the tree falleth, there it shall be.

He that observeth the [d]wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds, shall not reap.

As thou knowest not which is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: so thou knowest not the work of God that worketh all.

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening let not thine hand [e]rest: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, this or [f]that, or whether both shall be a like good.

Surely the light is a pleasant thing: and it is a good thing to the eyes to see the sun.

Though a man live many years, and in them all he rejoice, yet he shall remember the days of [g]darkness, because they are many, all that cometh is vanity.

[h]Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thine 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 that for all these things, God will bring thee to judgment.

10 Therefore take away [i]grief out of thine heart, and cause evil [j]to depart from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 11:1 That is, be liberal to the poor, and though it seem to be as a thing ventured on the sea, yet it shall bring thee profit.
  2. Ecclesiastes 11:3 As the clouds that are full, pour out rain, so the rich that have abundance, must distribute it liberally.
  3. Ecclesiastes 11:3 He exhorteth to be liberal while we live: for after, there is no power.
  4. Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that feareth inconveniences, when necessity requireth, shall never do his duty.
  5. Ecclesiastes 11:6 Be not weary of well doing.
  6. Ecclesiastes 11:6 That is, which of thy works are most agreeable to God.
  7. Ecclesiastes 11:8 That is, of affliction and trouble.
  8. Ecclesiastes 11:9 He derideth them that set their delight in worldly pleasures, as though God would not call count.
  9. Ecclesiastes 11:10 To wit, anger, and envy.
  10. Ecclesiastes 11:10 Meaning, carnal lusts, whereunto youth is given.

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