CHAPTER 11
after a long time you may find it again.
you know not what misfortune may come upon the earth.
No One Knows What Good Will Come
they pour out rain upon the earth.
Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
wherever it falls, there shall it lie.
and one who watches the clouds will never reap.
enters the human frame in the mother’s womb,
So you do not know the work of God,
who is working in everything.a
and at evening do not let your hand be idle:
For you do not know which of the two will be successful,
or whether both alike will turn out well.
and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart,
the vision of your eyes;
Yet understand regarding all this
that God will bring you to judgment.
and remove pain from your body,
for youth and black hair are fleeting.*
* [11:1–2] These two sayings can be understood against a commercial background. They acknowledge the uncertainty and risk such activity involves. At the same time they encourage action and a spirit of adventure. The first (v. 1) speaks of trade and overseas investment: Export your grain (“bread”) to foreign markets and you may be surprised at the substantial profits. The second (v. 2) encourages diversification of investment (seven, or even eight shipments of grain) to insure against heavy losses.
* [11:3–6] Verses 3, 4, and 6 expand on the theme of uncertainty and human inability to assess accurately every situation. Verse 4, however, comments on the disadvantages of too much caution: Only those willing to risk will enjoy success. But only the Creator knows the mystery of the “work of God” (v. 5).
* [11:7–10] The concluding part of the book opens with a final bittersweet homage to life and an enthusiastic encouragement to rejoice in its gifts while they are within grasp.
* [11:10] Fleeting: lit., “vanity.”
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