Correspondence: Meaning of Ecc. 11:2

From: Young Christian: Volume 4, 1914

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Duration: 1min

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{tcl34}tcl33}tcl32}tcl31}tcl30}tcl29}tcl28}tcl27}tcl26}tcl25}tcl24}tcl23}tcl22}tcl21}tcl20}tcl19}tcl18}tcl17}tcl16}tcl15}tcl14}tcl13}tcl12}tcl11}tcl10}tcl9}tcl8}tcl7}tcl6}tcl5}tcl4}tcl3}tcl2}tcl1}Ecclesiastes 11:2 • 1 min. read • grade level: 8

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Question 89: Please give the meaning of Ecclesiastes 11:2²Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. (Ecclesiastes 11:2). E. M. S.

Answer: Ecclesiastes is wisdom under the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:1-6¹Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. ²Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. ³If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. ⁴He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. ⁵As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. ⁶In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. (Ecclesiastes 11:1‑6) evidently looks at and exhorts us to use opportunities without regard to opposing elements. “Casting the bread on the waters,” “Giving the portion” and “Sowing the seed” as opportunity affords, leaving results with God.

This suggests for us service to the Lord, sharing with others what we enjoy; giving a portion to all we can reach; sowing the seed evening and morning, as we find opportunity. May our walk and ways, as well as our words, be “holding forth the word of life” (2 Thess. 2:17¹⁷Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (2 Thessalonians 2:17)).

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