Ecclesiastes 11:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

Here is an admonition both to old people and to young people, to think of dying, and get ready for it. Having by many excellent precepts taught us how to live well, the preacher comes now, towards the close of his discourse, to teach us how to die well and to put us in mind of our latter end. I. He applies himself to the aged, writes to them as fathers, to awaken them to think of death, Eccl. 11:7, 8. Here is, 1. A rational concession of the sweetness of life, which old people find by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth ,.... This advice may be considered as serious; and either as relating to natural, corporeal, and temporal delight and pleasure, under due limitations; that as mirth and cheerfulness, or a free use of the creatures of God, with moderation and temperance, is allowable to all men in common, and is spoken of throughout this book as commendable, and is healthful and profitable to men; so it is particularly suitable to the youthful age, whose natural desires may... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth - Youth is devoid of cares; and, consequently, of many perplexities and distresses. Were it not so, we should have no old men; nay, perhaps not one even of middle ape. It is in the order of a most gracious God, that the young should rejoice in their youth; but they should make such a moderate use of all their enjoyments, that they may not be confounded in the day of judgment. But, O young man, if thou wilt follow the propensities of thy own heart, the noisy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7-9

Section 17. The second remedy for the perplexities of the present life is cheerfulness— the spirit that enjoys the present, with a chastened regard to the future. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 11:9

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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, &c. A positive command, not irony; qualified by the solemn fact: "but know thou", &c. young man = a chosen youth, implying beauty and strength. youth = childhood. thy youth. Same word as "young man". judgment = the judgment. read more

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