By James Riley Strange, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament, Samford University
Full Contentment
Ecclesiastes 11:7–10; 12:12–14
For today read all of chapters 11 and 12, the teacher’s final commentary on the true source of what is good and the true goal of living.
Enjoy the life God has given but remember the coming judgment. (11:7–10)
Chapter 11 contains three parts. All offer variations on the theme: Because the future is uncertain one should live well today. As we shall see living well entails giving generously and working diligently.
In verses 1–6 of chapter 11 the metaphor of casting bread upon the waters expresses not knowing whom our good deeds will touch. The coming darkness (v. 8) — we do not know what lies in store for us other than we will die as all creatures do — should not intimidate us into holding our wealth rather than giving to those in need. The idea of getting back our bread probably refers to the judgment mentioned in verse 9.
As the teacher says in verse 3 we can know some things critical for living, such as when the rains come. Other knowledge, such as a tree lying where it falls, are not as important.
The point is this: Spending too much time in observation can keep us from acting. Because we cannot know the work of God we need to do what is in our control — our own work. We do not know which of our actions will result in good, but we must do them.
Verses 7–8 remind us the teacher thinks life is worth living despite its brevity and the weariness of human toil. Everything that happens — the sweetness of life and the days of darkness (probably a reference to old age) — is “mere breath” (your translation may say “vanity”). It is fleeting.
Verses 9–10 advise young people life is most enjoyable during youth, but two caveats exist. I mention the latter first: youth is also fleeting so enjoy it while you can. Second, in youth we should not pursue pleasures that result in judgment.
Reverent obedience of God is the way to enjoy the life He has given. (12:12–14)
Before reaching the final conclusion the teacher reinforces his advice to the young by talking about the fears that come with growing old (12:1–8). His many images may be metaphors for aging and death which all humans must face.
In the 12th century a Jewish commentator thought verses 9 through 14 were added by an editor and some modern scholars agree. The voice switches to the third person and verse 8 repeats Ecclesiastes 1:2 forming a frame around nearly the entire book.
Throughout the book the teacher has ruminated on the brevity of human existence and our inability to control the things that happen to us. We may amass wealth but we can lose everything. We may fear God and be wise, but we can still suffer and die.
There is no reward in this life for doing good deeds, and other than a few mentions of judgment, the teacher has little to say about life after death. We might expect someone with this attitude to conclude people should live as they please. The book of Ecclesiastes, however, never says such a thing.
For the teacher one should fear God and keep His commandments, not for reward or to avoid punishment, but because it is good.
This is an important reminder for followers of Christ — those of us who proclaim the resurrection and eternal life with God for those who live in faith.
We too say, “Righteousness is good because it is good. It is good because it is what God wants.”
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