Bible Chapter Summary
Ecclesiastes 11 Summary
Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters
The preacher urges generosity and action despite uncertainty about outcomes, exhorting the reader to cast bread upon the waters and give to many, knowing not what evil may come to the earth. He teaches that observation and timidity hinder work—the fearful sower and anxious laborer shall not prosper—while no one can know God's works or which of their endeavors shall succeed. Though life is sweet and light pleasant to behold, the reader must remember days of darkness shall be many; and youth, though a time for joy and following one's heart, shall face God's judgment.
Key themes
Key verses
Ecclesiastes 11:1
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”
Ecclesiastes 11:4
“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
Ecclesiastes 11:8
“But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 11:9
“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.”
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