Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

11:1-6 All profitable activity involves risk. We must act as wisely as we can and trust God for the result.

11:1-2 We should invest rather than hoard our resources, even if we cannot control the results.

Verse 3

11:3 clouds . . . rains: Sometimes we can be reasonably certain of what will happen. • a tree . . . stays where it falls: Our actions sometimes yield irrevocable consequences.

Verse 5

11:5 The activity of God is often unpredictable and mysterious. Our job is to work when we have the opportunity to do so (see Prov 12:11; 24:27).

Verse 9

11:9 Young people are encouraged to enjoy their youth to the fullest. They should also remember that they will give an account to God and should therefore avoid foolish behavior.

Verse 10

11:10 Youth, like life itself, is beneficial and enjoyable but ultimately meaningless, a fleeting vapor that passes away without apparent significance or lasting purpose.