Ec 11:10-12:7.—Section 18. The third remedy is piety, and this ought to be practiced from one's earliest days; life should be so guided as not to offend the laws of the Creator and Judge, and virtue should not be postponed till the failure of faculties makes pleasure unattainable, and death closes the scene. The last days of the old man are beautifully described under certain images, metaphors, and analogies. read more
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart. The writer reiterates his advice concerning cheerfulness, and then proceeds to inculcate early piety. Kaas, rendered "sorrow," has been variously understood. The Septuagint has θυμόν , the Vulgate gram ; so the margin of the Authorized Version gives "anger," and that of the Revised Version "vexation," or "provocation." Wordsworth adopts this last meaning (relating to 1 Kings 15:30 ; 1 Kings 21:22 ; 2 Kings 23:26 , etc; where, however,... read more
The preceding exhortation to a life of labor in the sight of God is now addressed especially to the active and the young; and is enforced by another consideration, namely, the transitory character of all that sustains youth.Ecclesiastes 11:7The light ... the sun - Gifts of God which cheer man’s toil, but which he almost ceases to appreciate in his old age.Ecclesiastes 11:8Days of darkness - The time of old age, and perhaps any time of sorrow or misfortune. Compare Ecclesiastes 12:2.All that... read more
Ecclesiastes 11:7-8. Truly, the light is sweet It cannot be denied, that this present life is in itself a great blessing, and desirable; but it is not perpetual nor satisfactory: for, if a man live many years Which is a privilege granted but to few persons comparatively; and rejoice in them all Enjoy all the comforts, and escape all the imbitterness of human life all his days; yet let him remember the days of darkness Of death, or the state of the dead, often expressed by darkness, as... read more
Ecclesiastes 11:9. Rejoice, &c. This is an ironical concession, like many which occur in the Scriptures, (see 1Ki 18:27 ; 1 Kings 22:15; Ezekiel 28:3-4; Matthew 26:45,) and in other authors: O young man, in thy youth He speaks to young men particularly, because they have both the greatest ability and the strongest inclination to pursue sensual pleasure, and are most impatient, either of restraint or admonition, Let thy heart cheer thee, &c. Indulge thy humour. and take thy fill... read more
Ecclesiastes 11:10. Therefore remove sorrow Sensual and disorderly lusts, which he elegantly calls sorrow, to intimate, that although such practices at present gratify men’s senses, yet they will shortly bring them to intolerable sorrows. And put away evil from thy flesh All evil desires, though now they seem good to thee. For childhood and youth are vanity Most vain. The time of youth is vanishing and transitory, and old age and death will speedily come, against which every wise man... read more
11:1-12:14 HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LIFEBoldness in spite of uncertainty (11:1-8)It is typical of the writer that he encourages a positive attitude to life. True, life may be uncertain, but that is no reason to refuse to act positively. Regardless of what people decide to do, they must work at it boldly in spite of the risks, expecting results in due time. However, they should not put all their goods or money into one project. Then, if they meet misfortune in one place, the rest of the... read more
Advice to young people (11:9-12:8)God’s will is that people enjoy life. In fact, they have a responsibility to do so. The writer urges young people especially to take note of this and not to misuse their mental or physical powers through developing wrong attitudes to life. However, their enjoyment of life must be according to a proper understanding of God and his character. They, like all others, are answerable to him for their behaviour (9-10).Young people should remember that God is the... read more
man. Hebrew. 'adam (with Art.) App-14 . See note on Ecclesiastes 1:13 . and rejoice = let him rejoice. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth . Koheleth continues to inculcate the duty of rational enjoyment. "In youth" is during youth; not in the exercise of, or by reason of, thy fresh, unimpaired powers. The author urges his hearers to begin betimes to enjoy the blessing with which God surrounds them. Youth is the season of innocent, unalloyed pleasure; then, if ever, casting aside all tormenting anxiety concerning an unknown future, one may, as it is called, enjoy life. Let thy heart cheer... read more