Ecclesiastes 11:1 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Ecclesiastes 11:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Encouragement to Christian toilers.

The lesson of this verse, if the figure be dropped, may be expressed thus: Act upon principles and not upon likelihood.

I. A SIMILITUDE. The good we give to men when we preach and teach Divine truth, when we exercise Christian influence, is seed—fruit-bearing seed. It is a blessed, but a sacred and serious, occupation to sow the seed of spiritual life.

II. A DIRECTION. Christian sowers! Cast your bread even upon the waters.

1. Even upon an unkindly soil.

2. Even in an unpromising season.

3. Liberally, though at the cost of self-sacrifice.

4. Constantly, even though it seems that the sowing has been long carried on in vain.

5. Bravely and hopefully, although the calculating, shortsighted world deride your efforts.

III. A PROMISE. After lapse of days you shall find the bread you have dispersed.

1. What is cast abroad is not destroyed.

2. Neither is it lost sight of.

3. It shall, perhaps after many days, be found again.

It may be in time; it shall be in eternity. Then "he that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice together."—T.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Ecclesiastes 11:1

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Ecclesiastes 11 — OverviewEcclesiastes 11 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this chapter we have, I. A pressing exhortation to works of charity and bounty to the poor, as the best cure of the vanity which our worldly riches are subject to and the only way of making them turn to a…Ecclesiastes 11 — OverviewEcclesiastes 11 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeEcclesiastes 11:1, Directions for charity; Ecclesiastes 11:7, Death in life, Ecclesiastes 11:9, and the day ofjudgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on.Ecclesiastes 11 — OverviewEcclesiastes 11 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter begins with an exhortation to liberality to the poor, enforced by several reasons and arguments, and the objections to it removed; and the whole illustrated by various similes, Ec 11:1; and then it is…Ecclesiastes 11:1-6Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleSolomon had often, in this book, pressed it upon rich people to take the comfort of their riches themselves; here he presses it upon them to do good to others with them and to abound in liberality to the poor,…Ecclesiastes 11:1Ecclesiastes 11:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryCast thy bread upon the waters. The old interpretation of this passage, which found in it a reference to the practice in Egypt of sowing seed during the inundation of the Nile, is not admissible. The verb shalach is not…Ecclesiastes 11:1-2Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 · The Pulpit CommentaryWorks of charity. There can be little doubt that these admonitions apply to the deeds of compassion and beneficence which are the proper fruits of true religion. Especially in some conditions of society almsgiving is…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Silent TeacherDoes it feel like God is ignoring your prayers? Remember this: The Teacher is always quiet during the test. He hasn't left the room; He's waiting to see your answer.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Heavy BrakeSlaves never rest. Sons do. If you can't stop working, you've forgotten you're free.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Back of the TapestryWe judge the weaving before it is finished. We scream at the knots because we can't see the picture yet. Today, be honest with God about your pain, but end your prayer with trust: "Lord, I see the mess, but I trust the Weaver. Don't waste this pain.Discipledeck devotionThe Unfinished ListYou are not a machine; you are a soul. Machines run until they break; souls need to rest to survive. This week, pick one 24-hour period (or even a half-day to start) to turn off your work email, put away the chores, and just enjoy God and your family. The work will wait; your soul cannot.Discipledeck