A. Joyous and Responsible Living 11:7-12:7Solomon had already advocated the enjoyment of life and responsible living in several of the preceding sections (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19; Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 9:7-10). Now he stressed these points. read more
The first reason we should enjoy life now is that we cannot do so after we die. As Christians we realize that life beyond the grave will be much better for believers than life on this earth. Solomon would not have disputed this had he known what we do as a result of revelation given after his lifetime. For Solomon, the future after death was unclear, enigmatic, and therefore vaporous (Heb. hebel, "futility" in Ecclesiastes 11:8) in this sense (cf. Ecclesiastes 8:10; Ecclesiastes 8:14).... read more
1. Joyful living 11:7-10 read more
IV. THE WAY OF Wisdom 11:7-12:14In Ecclesiastes 1:12 to Ecclesiastes 6:9, Solomon demonstrated that all work is ultimately futile for two reasons. It does not yield anything really permanent under the sun, and we can never be sure we will enjoy the fruits of our labor before we die. In Ecclesiastes 6:10 to Ecclesiastes 11:6, he pointed out that we can never be sure which of our efforts will succeed, because we do not know God’s plans or what the future holds. In Ecclesiastes 11:7 to... read more
Life After All is Worth Living1-3. Fulfil the duty of beneficence, knowing that results are in the hands of God.1. Cast thy bread, etc.] show kindness, even where a return is least to be expected. A blessing in some sort, although it may be long delayed, will result. There is perhaps a reference to the sowing of seed on irrigated land.2. Give a portion, etc.] be not niggardly or calculating in the bestowal of favours. You know not when you may need them yourself.3. The fixed laws by which the... read more
Sowing and Reaping Ecclesiastes 11:1 By general consent the primary reference of the text is to the Egyptian custom of scattering seed upon the oozy soil formed by the overflowing of the Nile. To the thoughtful mind there is a remarkable resemblance between the laws of the physical and the moral harvest: I. The Natural Harvest. The golden grain once more gathered in reveals: a. The power of God. Think of the vast machinery that He employs to produce our daily bread. b. The wisdom of God. The... read more
But in a wise Use and a wise Enjoyment of the Present Life, Ecclesiastes 11:1-8What that Good is, and where it may be found, the Preacher now proceeds to show. But, as his manner is, he does not say in so many words, "This is the Chief Good of man," or "You will find it yonder;" but he places before us the man who is walking in the right path and drawing closer and closer to it. Even of him the Preacher does not give us any formal description; but, following what we have seen to be his... read more
Combined with a steadfast Faith in the Life to come. Ecclesiastes 10:9 - Ecclesiastes 12:7But, soft; is not our man of men becoming a mere man of pleasure? No; for he recognises the claims of duty and of charity. These keep his pleasures sweet and wholesome, prevent them from usurping the whole man, and landing him in the satiety and weariness of dissipation. But lest even these safeguards should prove insufficient, he has also this: he knows that "God will bring him into judgment"; that all... read more
CHAPTER 11 1. Proverbs concerning man’s work(Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 ) 2. The vanity of life (Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 ) Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 . These continued proverbs concern the work of man and begin with exhortations to charity and are followed by the wise acknowledgement that no one knows the works of God, who is the maker of all. All this knowledge is within the compass of the natural man. Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 . After these philosophic proverbs he comes back to his former finding--vanity. So... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7
7. light—of life (Ecclesiastes 7:11; Psalms 49:19). Life is enjoyable, especially to the godly. read more