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ECCLESIASTES
The Meaning of Life
Chapter 11
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verses 1, 2. Cast your bread upon the waters…
Solomon has spent his time seeking fulfillment in life pursuing selfish indulgences. Now he says to give yourself and your stuff away! In as many ways and to as many people as you can think! What do you suppose caused this shift in his thinking?
verses 3, 4. Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
Solomon has dedicated (Ecclesiastes 1:13) himself to studying and observing the meaning of life. Now he says to quit standing around and live life! Getting out of bed each morning involves a little risk. Why do you get up?
verses 5, 9b. This new perspective on living life as a generous participant is tempered by the fact that God’s
Word and Will must be accounted for. How can you be sure that you are in the middle of God’s plan, if you don’t see the Big Picture?
verse 6. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle…
Extend the metaphor beyond a mere day to the whole of your life. Regardless of your age and life situation, what are you still “planting and harvesting?”
verses 7, 8.
It is easy to enjoy life when things are going well (7). Solomon says that even the difficult times of my life are to be enjoyed. Is he serious? Explain his thinking.
verses 9, 10. Be happy, young man, while you are young…
Is there anything you wish you would have done when you were younger? If you are physically and financially able, and it is Biblically O.K. and legal, go out and do it! Solomon says here to banish regret because youth is fleeting.\
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