Ecclesiastes 11 Devotional

Sowing Without Knowing

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”Ecclesiastes 11:5 (BSB)

This chapter faces an uncertain future and refuses to be frozen by it. The Teacher urges generosity because no one knows what disaster may come (11:1-2). Whoever waits for perfect weather will never sow or reap (11:4). Just as the wind's course and a baby's growth in the womb are hidden from us, so is the work of God, who made all things (11:5). So keep sowing morning and evening (11:6).

Not knowing the outcome is no reason to hold back. It is a reason to trust the one who does know. The Teacher adds a word to the young: enjoy your years with a glad heart, but remember that God will bring every choice to judgment (11:9). Joy and accountability belong together. Paul makes a similar point: do not grow weary in doing good, because the harvest will come at the proper time (Galatians 6:9). You can be generous and diligent today without seeing the results, because the results rest with him.

To think about: What good work or act of generosity have you been holding back because you cannot see how it will turn out?