In Eccl. 11:1-6, Solomon advises us to diversify our portfolio. That is, “cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days” (vs 1). We should recognize that bad days will come (vss 2-3) and we need to be prepared for them. From a financial perspective, it is wise to begin an emergency fund to handle immediate emergencies. Dave Ramsey suggests setting aside$1,000 as quickly as possible. When you are able, it is wise to build up such a fund to handle somewhere between three and six months of your living expenses. Be prepared for emergencies so your family does not have to suffer.

Don’t be lazy either. Don’t fret over the wind and the clouds (vs 4) to the degree that you don’t accomplish anything. My dad use to warn me that I was afraid of the “boogey-man” behind the bush when I didn’t even know if there was a “boogey-man” behind the bush! Solomon’s point here is to simply trust God since we do not know the future (vss 5-6).

Know that bad days will come and know that good days will come, too (vss 7-8). Rejoice in the good days, in the days of your youth. Carpe Diem – just don’t sin when you seize the day! Solomon’s warning of judgment in verse 9 is the second of three (3:17; 12:14) explicit references to judgment.

So, it is good to keep the Creator in mind (12:1) when one is young and you find no pleasure in the days of life. Dedicate your life to Christ in youth and life will, generally speaking, be easier to handle.

Old age is a part of life, as is death (12:2-7). None of us will escape life without passing through death nor without getting old. Despite how healthy we might be at 25, 35; 55, 75 and 85 will be here before we know it and our bodies will wear out. The physical will return to its source of origin and the spirit will return to its source of origin (12:7).

At the end of his cogitations on the meaning of life, Solomon writes that he has sought out wisdom, taught people, written proverbs, and written books (12:9-10). Yet, in the multitude of books, there can be a “wearying to the body” (vs 12). Not all wisdom is contained in books nor are healthy relationships found with people contained in books. Be warned.

Thus Solomon brings us around to the conclusion of all that has been said: Fear God and keep His commands. This is not the first time Solomon has warned the audience in Ecclesiastes of this fact. Here, he says this is man’s “all.” This is what man was created to do – respect God, keep His commands, and we will enjoy His good things at judgment (12:13-14).

Paul Holland