## Ecclesiastes, Part 9

## Eccl. 11,12

III. His Final Conclusions. 11:1-12:14

A. Live by Faith. 11:1-6

1. Wisdom and faith are necessary for investment. (1-2)

a. verse one is a metaphorical expression taken from grain trade of a seaport town.

b. it illustrates the successful prospects of a bold business venture.

c. there is also wisdom in diversity

2. Some of life's events are inevitable. (3)

a. if the clouds are full of rain, they will empty themselves.

b. if a tree falls it will be lying right where it fell.

c. the idea here is that no matter what kind of precautions one may take, there are some things we have no control over...so live by faith!

3. Excuses for doing nothing. (4-6)

a. if you worry too much about the weather, nothing will be accomplished. v4

b. there are so many things beyond our understanding. v5

1) the path of the wind

2) the physical changes that take place allowing a woman to give birth.

3) the works of God.

c. get busy and do something even though you don't know how it will turn out...live by faith!

B. Remember that life will end. 11:7-12:7

1. Advice to the young about life. cf 11:7-12:1

a. light=life darkness=death

b. life is a wonderful thing and should be enjoyed, but remember one day life will be over. v7-8

c. enjoy your youth, but realize that one day you will give an account before God. v9-10

d. Solomon says, "Remember God while you are young and enjoy your youth." NOTE: a key to enjoying your youth seems to be acknowledging God while you are young. v1

2. Solomon describes old age and death. cf 12:2-7

a. old age is like a gathering storm. v2

b. "keepers of the house" = arms and legs

c. "strong men shall bow themselves" = weak legs

d. "grinders...they be few" = few teeth

e. "windows be darkened" = weakened eyes

f. "doors shut...sound...low" = loss of hearing

g. "rise up" = restless sleep

h. "daughters of music brought low" = a decreased appreciation of music due to loss of hearing.

i. "afraid of that which is high" = the difficulty of ascending heights

j. "fears shall be in the way" = afraid of falling when walking

k. "almond tree shall flourish" = speaks of one's whitened hair

l. "grasshopper shall be a burden and desire shall fail" = crippled and bent limbs will impair mobility

m. "long home" = absence from the earth

n. "mourners go about" = wailers at the funeral

o. "silver cord be loosed", "golden bowl be broken", "pitcher be broken", and "wheel broken at cistern" = all of these have reference to the end of life

p. "dust returns to earth" = man was formed out of the dust of the earth

q. "spirit return unto God" = God breathed into man the breath of life

C. Obey God's Word and fear Him. cf 12:8-14

1. Restatement of thesis. v8

2. Solomon's educational program. v9-10

3. The value of that instruction. v11-12

4. The final conclusion. v13-14