I have room for only one more Ecclesiastes blog before those of us in the reading program are back into The Psalms, Book IV, which begins with Psalm 90.

Today, highlights from Ecclesiastes 11 and 12

Most people apply this to investing – have a diverse portfolio:

Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth. (Ecclesiastes 11.2, ESV)

Here’s a word on the importance of taking action. Take action now! Take action in a variety of situations.

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap…In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. (Ecclesiastes 11.4, 6, ESV)

Don’t wait until you’re old to serve God. And old age comes, make no mistake. The Preacher paints a vivid picture of old age:

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;

• before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, [Eyes dim? Need cataract surgery?]
• in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, [Not as strong anymore, are we? Not as straight either.]
• and the grinders cease because they are few, [Lost your teeth?]
• and those who look through the windows are dimmed, and the doors on the street are shut— [Some don’t get out much anymore.]
• …the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, [Gray hair, hard to walk, no libido?]
• because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. [“The body without the spirit is dead.”] (Ecclesiastes 12.1 – 8, ESV)

The importance of teaching and writing…writing well:

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. (Ecclesiastes 12.9 – 11, ESV)

Don’t complicate things. Hang on to the few, simple things that you know.

My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12.12, ESV)

The conclusion?

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12.13, ESV)

Amen.