Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
One would think that "the waters" would be the least appropriate place to cast bread (v. 1). But this bread is the Word of life and the waters speak to us of the world in its troubled and restless condition. It is certainly there that the Lord calls us to spread the gospel freely (v. 2), without regard to the difficulties (v. 4), without asking questions (v. 5; John 3:8) and without slackening our effort (v. 6). If we then have a tendency to take some credit upon ourselves, let us remember that it is "God who maketh all" (v. 5). V. 3 reminds us of grace, the substance of the gospel (Isaiah 55:10-11). But the warning of judgment is also part of this verse. "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth . . . walk in the ways of thine heart . . .". This is the philosophy of many careless young people. Well, the end of the sentence should make them think – "But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment" (v. 9). Yes, God will call you to account for all your enjoyment. For whom and for what have you lived? This earth is not everything. There is a God and this God is a judge. Dear unconverted young friend, may this warning lead you to v. 1 of ch. 12.