Ecclesiastes Chapter Eleven, The Days Of Darkness

Ecclesiastes 11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; [8] But if a man lives many years and rejoices in them all, yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.

What begins now is a litany of morbidity as the preacher goes on to lambast childhood, adulthood, and old age. The passage begins here, however, with a very somber warning. The light that is sweet and pleasant to the eyes happens to be the light of life, the light we enjoy while we are among the living.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Eleven, Sowing & Prospering

Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow your seed, 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.

Similarly to verses 1 and 2 at the beginning of the chapter, the preacher commends putting our all into the various works that come our way. We make the opportunity to put effort in and accomplish whatever it is our business entails. For me, for instance, it is expounding God’s word for one of the works I put my hand to. Do not wait for the opportunity, begin the work and invite opportunity.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Eleven, God: The Maker Of Everything

Ecclesiastes 11:3 If the clouds are full of rain, 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. [4] He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

This passage begins with a seeming common sense observation on the preacher’s part. It actually reminds me of that odd question one might get asked: If a tree falls in the middle of the woods, and no one is around to hear it, does it still make a sound?

Ecclesiastes Chapter Eleven, Generosity

Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. [2] Give your serving to seven, and also to eight. For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.

The preacher begins by suggesting that the reader share willingly with many. He also assures the reader that once he has shared, he will find his “bread,” after many days, meaning his act of kindness will reap fruit. This principle may be found elsewhere in Scripture. We read, “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” Galatians 6:9.

Peripherals: Every day Alike, Halloween

 

With another Halloween on the horizon, the debate always arises as to the validity of participating in the holiday from a Christian viewpoint. Is celebrating Halloween acceptable for a Christian? If so, why? And if not, why? As it happens, the Bible is very clear about observed days, and whether or not the saints can partake.