Bible Commentaries
Ecclesiastes 11

Verse 1

ECCLESIASTES

CHAPTER 11

USE OF RESOURCES ENTRUSTED TO MAN

Verse 1 admonishes man to use well the resources entrusted to him, trusting God to supply his further needs as and when He deems best. To use resources well, includes gifts of God (Proverbs 3:9); benevolent gifts (Deuteronomy 15:10; Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 22:9; Isaiah 58:10; Luke 6:38); and Investment In honorable business ventures (Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 22:29; Proverbs 31:14; Proverbs 31:16).

Verse 2

Verse 2 emphasizes that use of resources should be vigorous and widespread, recognizing that man has only limited time, and that he knows not what unforeseen circumstances may appear and hinder his effort, Psalms 112:9; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6; James 4:14.

Verses 3-6

FULFILL KNOWN RESPONSIBILITIES DESPITE UNCERTAINTIES

Verse 3 affirms that there are events in life, beyond the control of man. Therefore, he should leave such to the Almighty, and proceed with his known responsibilities, Genesis 3:19; Proverbs 10:4-5; Proverbs 12:11.

Verse 4 continues the thought of verse 3, and warns that undue delay in planting or other necessary activity, to wait for change in conditions beyond man’s control, will prevent achievement of needed objectives, Proverbs 6:10-11; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:11; Proverbs 22:29.

Verses 5 and 6 suggest that as man accepts, but does not know, the way of the Spirit, or how bones grow in the womb, so also should man sow his seed in the morning and cultivate it until evening, trusting God to cause it to prosper, as He deems best, John 3:8; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 139:14-15; John 1:3.

Verses 7-8

THE GOOD AND ILL OF LIFE

Verse 7 reminds the living of the blessedness of light and the oft-repeated privilege of beholding the shining sun, Genesis 1:16-18.

Verse 8 continues the previous thought, with the sobering reminder, that one who has lived many joyous years should be mindful that continuous darkness and sorrow awaits those unprepared for death. The Preacher does not mention death here, but he implies such as the destiny of man in 6:4 and recognizes life beyond death in Ecclesiastes 3:21; Proverbs 14:32; Proverbs 11:7. The utter futility of the unprepared, beyond death, is described in Luke 16:22-31.