Sowing in Uncertainty

Chapter 11 turns the Preacher's uncertainty into action. Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don't know what evil will be on the earth. Generosity is wise precisely because the future is unknown.

He addresses fear of risk. He who observes the wind won't sow; and he who regards the clouds won't reap. Waiting for perfect conditions means never acting. As you don't know what is the way of the wind, … even so you don't know the work of God who does all. Therefore: In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don't withhold your hand; for you don't know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good.

The chapter closes with joy and responsibility. Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to see the sun. Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, … but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Joy and accountability go together. In the New Testament, Paul writes that he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).