11:1-6—The Uncertainty of Life
Cast your bread on the waters; for you may find it after many days.
Give a portion to seven, or even to eight; for you do not know what evil may happen on the earth.
If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will be.
He who watches the wind will not sow; and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.
Just as you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in a womb with child, even so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether they both alike will be good.
11:7-10—Rejoice in Life
Truly the light is sweet, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.
Indeed, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. All that comes is pointless.
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Therefore remove frustration from your heart and put away evil from your flesh, for youth and the dawn of life are pointless.
