The Value of Diligence
They empty themselves upon the earth;
And if a tree falls to the south or the north,
In the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie.
bOr how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,
So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,
Or whether both alike will be good.
And arejoices in them all,
Yet let him bremember the days of darkness,
For they will be many.
All that is coming is vanity.
Seek God in Early Life
And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;
aWalk in the1 ways of your heart,
And1 in the sight of your eyes;
But know that for all these
bGod will bring you into judgment.
And aput away evil from your flesh,
bFor childhood and1 youth are vanity.
| << Ecclesiastes 11:2 | Ecclesiastes 11:4 >> |
Ecclesiastes 11:3-6
"Unforeseen events come from God; and the man who is always gazing on the uncertain future will neither begin nor complete any useful work: but do thou bear in mind that times and circumstances, the powers of nature and the results to which they minister, are in the hand of God; and be both diligent and trustful." The images are connected chiefly with the occupation of an agricultural laborer: the discharge of rain from the cloud, and the inclination of the falling tree, and the direction of the wind, are beyond his control, though the result of his work is affected by them. The common application of the image of the fallen tree to the state of departed souls was probably not in the mind of the inspired writer.
Ecclesiastes 11:5
Spirit - The same Hebrew word (like ͂ pneuma in Greek and "Spirit" in English) signifies both the wind Ecclesiastes 11:4 and the Spirit (compare marginal reference). The Old Testament in many places recognizes the special operation of God Job 10:8-12; Psalms 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5, and distinctly of the Spirit of God Job 31:15 in the origination of every child. Compare Genesis 2:7.
Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Ecclesiastes 11:3:
Matthew 25:10
Revelation 22:11
| << Ecclesiastes 11:2 | Ecclesiastes 11:4 >> |
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