Bible Lessons

 
Ecclesiastes 11
THIS chapter surprises us with wisdom that seems unearthly. Is it the thought of God that moves the Preacher to vary, now at the close, from the theme he has pursued from the very first words of his discourse?
“Cast thy bread upon the waters:” give away your substance where there would seem no likelihood of being repaid: “for thou shalt find it after many days.” Not only is liberality thus commended, but, “Give a portion to seven and also to eight,” for you do not know what need may not come to yourself later on. Perhaps long, long afterward you may be in a position to receive, where now it is your privilege to give. This is not the narrow, selfish thought of man, surely.
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn thou not away.” Matt. 5:4242Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:42).
“Lend, hoping for nothing again, and your reward shall be great, ... . Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:35-3835But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:35‑38). These are the gracious words of the Lord, of Him Who gave Himself for those who trust in Him, our Example, as well as our Hope.
Verses 3 to 6 carry on this thought of open-handed giving. The clouds, full of rain, empty themselves upon the earth, only to receive again in due time, when the earth has benefited from the moisture; it is not to be a matter of much concern which way the tree falls,—the wind, or the way it was cut, perhaps, gives it direction, but once down, there it lies for the use of man.
Further, there should not be too much concern over circumstances in giving;
“He that observeth the wind will not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds will not reap.” Give, as needs may become known to you, and leave the results with God.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” This is part of the wisdom of God, gracious and kind to all His creatures, and He would have men to learn from Himself.
The “Churches of Macedonia” furnished, in the apostle Paul’s day, a refreshing example of giving, and we may profitably consider the eighth and ninth chapters of 2nd Corinthians before we leave this interesting and important subject.
Verses 7 to 10 we shall reserve for our consideration of the last chapter, if the Lord will.
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:1717He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (Proverbs 19:17).
ML 01/08/1933