This 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, Eccles.

Cast thy bread upon the waters As the wise man had often suggested that nothing was better for a man than to enjoy the good of his labour himself, he here advises to let others, the poor, have a share with him; and as he had directed in the preceding chapter how men should behave towards their…

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight Or, a “part” [[15]]; not the whole of a man’s substance, for he must have to support himself and his family; he that does not take care of that is worse than an infidel; a man may bestow all his goods on the poor, and not have charity; though no doubt…

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth They do not retain it; sad would it be for the earth if they did; but they let it down softly and gently, in plentiful showers upon each of the parts of the earth without distinction, by which it is refreshed, and made fruitful;…

He that observeth the wind shall not sow Who before he sows his seed is careful to observe where the wind is, from what corner it blows, and forbears sowing until it is down or changes, lest it should be troublesome unto him in sowing, or blow away his seed, and waits for a better season; such a…

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit If indeed a man could foresee and be assured of seasonable weather for sowing and reaping, or a proper opportunity for doing good, all circumstances agreeing, it would be right to wait for it, and take it; but as these things are not in our power,…

In the morning sow thy seed Do all good works early and diligently, which is expressed by sowing in righteousness, ; particularly alms deeds, often signified by sowing seed, ; this should be in the morning of youth, that persons may be inured to it betimes as Obadiah was; and in the morning of…

Truly the light is sweet Here begins a new subject, as most think; and some here begin the twelfth and last chapter, and not improperly. This is true of natural light, which is exceeding pleasant, useful, and beneficial; by which men discern objects, behold the things of nature with pleasure, walk…

But if a man live many years Enjoying light and life, and beholding the sun with much delight and pleasure. The days of men on earth, or under the sun, are but few at most; but some live many days, in comparison of others; they come to a good old age, as Abraham did; and to their graves like a…

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth This advice may be considered as serious; and either as relating to natural, corporeal, and temporal delight and pleasure, under due limitations; that as mirth and cheerfulness, or a free use of the creatures of God, with moderation and temperance, is allowable to…

Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart Worldly sorrow, as opposed to lawful mirth and cheerfulness, and especially to spiritual joy: or “anger” [[24]], as the word may be rendered, and often is; either at the providence of God, or at the correction of friends; all perturbations of the mind; all…