JW Comments

In Ecclesiastes 11:1 I learn to “Cast your bread upon the waters,” which means to be generous and unselfish, because after many days “you will find it again.” It teaches me that acts of kindness and generosity are not lost, even if they seem to disappear like bread cast on the waters. Jehovah will, in some way, cause our kindness to return to us. This benefits us by motivating us to be compassionate and generous to others, even when we expect nothing in return, trusting that Jehovah blesses cheerful givers.

In Ecclesiastes 11:4 there is a very practical pearl of wisdom: “Whoever watches the wind will not sow, and whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” It teaches me that indecision and excessive caution prevent us from acting. If we always wait for perfect conditions, we will never do anything. This benefits us by reminding us of the importance of diligence and faith. It motivates us to move forward with our responsibilities, including the preaching work, without waiting for the perfect moment, because the opportunity to do good is now.

In Ecclesiastes 11:5 I learn that we cannot know “the activity of the true God who makes everything,” just as we cannot know how a baby is formed in a woman’s womb. It teaches me that Jehovah’s ways are mysterious and far beyond our understanding. This benefits us by reminding us of our humility and the need to trust that Jehovah knows what He is doing, even when we do not understand why certain things happen.

In Ecclesiastes 11:6 there is a pearl that complements verse 4: “Sow your seed in the morning, and do not let your hands rest until evening.” It teaches me that we must be diligent and persevering in our responsibilities, not knowing which efforts will bring good results. This benefits us by encouraging us to work hard in Jehovah’s service and in our daily life, trusting that He will make our labor bear fruit, even if we do not see the results immediately.

In Ecclesiastes 11:9 I learn a very clear warning for young people: “Young man, enjoy your youth... but know that the true God will bring you to judgment for all these things.” It teaches me that although youth is a time to enjoy, it is not a time to sin or act irresponsibly. In the end, we are accountable to Jehovah for our actions. This benefits us by reminding us to use our youth wisely, serving Jehovah and making decisions that honor His name.

In Ecclesiastes 11:10 there is a pearl that concludes the chapter with excellent advice: “Remove worry from your heart and put away harmful things from your body.” It teaches me that we must avoid excessive anxiety and harmful practices that hurt us, since youth and the bloom of life are fleeting. This benefits us by reminding us of the importance of caring for our physical and spiritual health, trusting that Jehovah will help us manage our worries, and that the time to be zealous in His service is now.