Ecclesiastes 11:9 Commentary and Bible Study

Solomon now earnestly warns the young against the folly of pursuing all their happiness in this life, of thinking too highly of its experiences, and treating it as if it could deliver ultimate satisfaction. He wishes to warn, and yet he knows the wilfulness of youth and the power of desires that drive the young; he knows that the young man or woman will insist on getting their way regardless of the warnings they receive and that as they reach a certain age, the world with all its opportunities seems to open up in front of them so that they will not allow anything to stand in their way. Who can deprive them of a slice of the good things this world has to offer? There are of course many attractive qualities about the young which we appreciate: their energy, their humour and their good will. We welcome the cheerfulness and enthusiasm that the young have for life and it lifts the spirits to be in the presence of those who are so full of hope. They are at a time in life when much is new and there are many fresh discoveries being made. There is also a good will in the young so that they are willing to share and to enthuse together about life. But nevertheless, they can develop an overconfidence that fails to tell the difference between the important and the trivial. Youthful optimism has its weaknesses and it can fail to see the dangers or the consequences of life’s experiences. The young may throw away great opportunities without even realising that they are opportunities. They can be driven by pleasure and fail to make serious decisions about life. They have a mind and a will, but they can allow themselves to be guided instead by feelings. They may be gullible and trust people too easily who are not worthy of their trust. It is very important to the young to be accepted by their peers and so they may be too easily led by the crowd. Solomon knows all this and he anticipates the unwelcome nature of what he is about to say and therefore he expresses himself as if he is talking to someone who has already refused to listen to his instruction: ‘Go ahead, young man, and take what you can get from this world; indulge your appetites and fill yourself with the pleasures of the flesh; if it is sinful or selfish do it, and help yourself to whatever your eyes see. Give free reign to the desires of your heart and follow every impulse for pleasure. Dismiss all thought of the consequences of what you are doing and try to pretend to yourself that you are free to live as you like. But be aware that for all this God will bring you under judgment.’ Solomon appeals to conscience over the head of all man’s impulses and appetites.