Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Solomon had often, in this book, pressed it upon rich people to take the comfort of their riches themselves; here he presses it upon them to do good to others with them and to abound in liberality to the poor, which will, another day, abound to their account. Observe, I. How the duty itself is recommended to us, Eccl. 11:1. 1. Cast thy bread upon the waters, thy bread-corn upon the low places (so some understand it), alluding to the husbandman, who goes forth, bearing precious seed, sparing... read more

Matthew Henry

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 11:1

Cast thy bread upon the waters ,.... As the wise man had often suggested that nothing was better for a man than to enjoy the good of his labour himself, he here advises to let others, the poor, have a share with him; and as he had directed in the preceding chapter how men should behave towards their superiors, he here instructs them what notice they should take of their inferiors; and as he had cautioned against luxury and intemperance, he here guards against tenacity and covetousness, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:2

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight ,.... Or, a "part" F17 חלק "partem", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus, Drusius, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, &c.; ; not the whole of a man's substance, for he must have to support himself and his family; he that does not take care of that is worse than an infidel; a man may bestow all his goods on the poor, and not have charity; though no doubt there was true charity, or love, in the poor widow that threw in all her substance... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:3

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth ,.... They do not retain it; sad would it be for the earth if they did; but they let it down softly and gently, in plentiful showers upon each of the parts of the earth without distinction, by which it is refreshed, and made fruitful; nor are they losers by it, for they draw up great quantities again out of the ocean, and so constantly answer the ends for which they are appointed. And so rich men, who are full of the good... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:4

He that observeth the wind shall not sow ,.... Who before he sows his seed is careful to observe where the wind is, from what corner it blows, and forbears sowing until it is down or changes, lest it should be troublesome unto him in sowing, or blow away his seed, and waits for a better season; such a man may lose his seedtime and never sow at all, and his grain in his barn may be devoured by vermin, or be destroyed by one accident or another, and so he may lose both his seed and his crop; ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:5

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit ,.... If indeed a man could foresee and be assured of seasonable weather for sowing and reaping, or a proper opportunity for doing good, all circumstances agreeing, it would be right to wait for it, and take it; but as these things are not in our power, nor within the compass of our knowledge, we should take the first opportunity of doing good, and leave the issue to divine Providence: as in many things in nature we are and should be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:6

In the morning sow thy seed ,.... Do all good works early and diligently, which is expressed by sowing in righteousness, Hosea 10:12 ; particularly alms deeds, often signified by sowing seed, Psalm 112:9 , 2 Corinthians 9:6 ; this should be in the morning of youth, that persons may be inured to it betimes as Obadiah was; and in the morning of prosperity, as soon as ever Providence smiles on men, and puts it into the power of their hands, who should honour the Lord with the firstfruits... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:7

Truly the light is sweet ,.... Here begins a new subject, as most think; and some here begin the twelfth and last chapter, and not improperly. This is true of natural light, which is exceeding pleasant, useful, and beneficial; by which men discern objects, behold the things of nature with pleasure, walk in the way without stumbling, and do the work and business of life: and also of civil light or prosperity; for, as afflictions are expressed by darkness, and adversity by night; so the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:8

But if a man live many years ,.... Enjoying light and life, and beholding the sun with much delight and pleasure. The days of men on earth, or under the sun, are but few at most; but some live many days, in comparison of others; they come to a good old age, as Abraham did; and to their graves like a shock of corn fully ripe; and arrive to, or beyond, the common term of human life; and rejoice in them all ; in and throughout the many years he lives, even all his days; that is, is... read more

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