EGW WritingsEcclesiastes 11

Education

Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods

Ed 139.5

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:24, 25; Ecclesiastes 11:1.

With God at Dawn

Cast Thy Bread upon the Waters, October 6

WGD 281.1

Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1.

Conflict and Courage

A Late Awakening, July 9

CC 196.1

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11.

CC 196.2

By his own bitter experience, Solomon learned the emptiness of a life that seeks in earthly things its highest good. He erected altars to heathen gods, only to learn how vain is their promise of rest to the spirit. Gloomy and soul-harassing thoughts troubled him night and day. For him there was no longer any joy of life or peace of mind, and the future was dark with despair.

CC 196.3

Yet the Lord forsook him not. By messages of reproof and by severe judgments, He sought to arouse the king to a realization of the sinfulness of his course.... At last the Lord, through a prophet, delivered to Solomon the startling message: ... “I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.”

CC 196.4

Awakened as from a dream by this sentence of judgment pronounced against him and his house, Solomon with quickened conscience began to see his folly in its true light. Chastened in spirit, with mind and body enfeebled, he turned wearied and thirsting from earth’s broken cisterns, to drink once more at the fountain of life.... He could never hope to escape the blasting results of sin; he could never free his mind from all remembrance of the self-indulgent course he had been pursuing; but he would endeavor earnestly to dissuade others from following after folly....

CC 196.5

The true penitent does not put his past sins from his remembrance. He does not, as soon as he has obtained peace, grow unconcerned in regard to the mistakes he has made. He thinks of those who have been led into evil by his course, and tries in every possible way to lead them back into the true path. The clearer the light that he has entered into, the stronger is his desire to set the feet of others in the right way.22Prophets and Kings, 76-78.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 24b, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 24b, 1894, par. 1

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] There is but one remedy for indolence, and that is to throw off sluggishness as a sin that leads to perdition, and go to work using the physical ability that God has given you for this purpose. The only cure for a useless, inefficient life is effort, determined, persevering effort. The only cure for selfishness is to deny self, and work earnestly to be the blessing that you can be to your fellow men. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” [Ecclesiastes 11:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 49a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 49a, 1894, par. 1

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] There is but one remedy for indolence, and that is to throw off sluggishness as a sin that leads to perdition, and [to] go to work using the physical ability that God has given you for this purpose. The only cure for a useless, inefficient life is effort—determined, persevering effort. The only cure for selfishness is to deny self, and work earnestly to be the blessing that you can be to your fellow men. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” [Ecclesiastes 11:4.]

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

Chapter 35—Missionary Work

CET 215.1

It will be a difficult work to overcome prejudice, and to convince the unbelieving that our efforts to help them are disinterested. But this should not hinder our labor. There is no precept in the word of God that tells us to do good to those only who appreciate and respond to our efforts, and to benefit those only who will thank us for it. God has sent us to work in His vineyard. It is our business to do all we can. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that.” Ecclesiastes 11:6.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 42—Revival of the Canvassing Work

6T 333.1

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Ecclesiastes 11:6.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 3—“First the Blade, Then the Ear”

COL 65.1

The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” Ecclesiastes 11:6. God’s great covenant declares that “while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest ... shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we in the spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His assurance, “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6.

Education

Sowing in Faith

Ed 105.2

For a time the good seed may lie unnoticed in the heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last brings forth fruit. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This question it is not for us to settle. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” Ecclesiastes 11:6. God’s great covenant declares that “while the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest ... shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we, in the spiritual sowing, to labor, trusting His assurance: “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 126:6.

Education

Chapter 31—The Lifework

Ed 266.3

Let every child, then, receive an education for the highest service. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that,” Ecclesiastes 11:6, R.V.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Labor in New Fields

GW92 52.1

It will be difficult to overcome prejudice, and to convince the unbelieving that our efforts to help them are disinterested. But this should not hinder our labor. There is no precept in the word of God that tells us to do good to those only who appreciate and respond to our efforts, and to benefit those only who will thank us for it. God has sent us to work in his vineyard. It is our business to do all we can. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that.” [Ecclesiastes 11:6.] We have too little faith. We limit the Holy One of Israel. We should be grateful that God condescends to use any of us as his instruments. For every earnest prayer put up in faith for anything, answers will be returned. They may not come just as we have expected; but they will come—not perhaps as we have desired, but at the very time when we most need them. But O, how sinful is our unbelief! “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Manner of Labor

GW92 274.1

“Be instant in season, out of season.” [2 Timothy 4:2.] To be “instant in season,” is to be alert to the privileges of the house and hour of worship and to the time when men are conversing on the topics of religion. And “out of season,” when you are at the fireside, in the field, by the way-side, in the market, seek to be ready to turn the thoughts of men, in a suitable and wise manner, to the great themes of the Bible. With tender and fervent spirit urge the claims of God upon the soul. Many, many precious opportunities are allowed to slip by unimproved, because men are persuaded that it is out of season. But who knows what might be the effect of a wise appeal to the conscience, by using the word of God that will accomplish that for which God has given it? It is written, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” [Ecclesiastes 11:6.] He who is sowing seeds of eternal truth may bear a burdened heart, and send up prayers with supplication and tears, but he will come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Personal Ministry

GW 186.2

The minister must be instant in season and out of season, ready to seize and improve every opportunity to further the work of God. To be “instant in season” is to be alert to the privileges of the house and hour of worship, and to the times when men are conversing on topics of religion. And to be instant “out of season” is to be ready, when at the fireside, in the field, by the wayside, in the market, to turn the minds of men, in a suitable manner, to the great themes of the Bible, with tender, fervent spirit urging upon them the claims of God. Many, many such opportunities are allowed to slip by unimproved, because men are persuaded that it is out of season. But who knows what might be the effect of a wise appeal to the conscience? It is written, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” [Ecclesiastes 11:6.] He who is sowing the seeds of truth may bear a burdened heart, and at times his efforts may seem to be without result. But if he is faithful, he will see fruit of his labor; for God’s word declares, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Chapter 33—Missionary Work

LS 207.1

It will be a difficult work to overcome prejudice, and to convince the unbelieving that our efforts to help them are disinterested. But this should not hinder our labor. There is no precept in the word of God that tells us to do good to those only who appreciate and respond to our efforts, and to benefit those only who will thank us for it. God has sent us to work in His vineyard. It is our business to do all we can. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that.” Ecclesiastes 11:6.

Our High Calling

Planting Seeds of Truth, October 22

OHC 301.1

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecclesiastes 11:6.

My Life Today

Sunlight, May 14

ML 138.1

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:7.

Radiant Religion

Light of His Spirit Shines on the Word, March 14

RRe 75.1

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:7.

The Retirement Years

Helpful Bible Texts for Seniors

RY 186.12

It is a wonderful thing to be alive!—Ecclesiastes 11:7, The Living Bible.

RY 186.13

If a man live many years, let him have joy throughoutthem all; let him remember that the dark days will be many—Ecclesiastes 11:8, Moffatt.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 5—Solomon’s Repentance

PK 80.4

“Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: but if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.” Ecclesiastes 11:7-10.

Conflict and Courage

The Voice of Experience, July 10

CC 197.1

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Maranatha

Youth and the Drug Syndrome, May 11

Mar 139.1

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

The Faith I Live By

Each Life Passes in Review, July 24

FLB 211.1

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Youth Receiving Power to Be Overcomers, May 14

YRP 143.1

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Radiant Religion

Rejoice in Youth, January 26

RRe 28.1

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 1, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 1, 1893, par. 32

While you follow in the course of action you are now pursuing, you suppose yourself sharp; in deal you may be scheming. You may and will, <if you follow on in wrongdoing,> increase in dishonest practices in business deal, but bear in mind “that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” [Ecclesiastes 11:9.] His Word says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Will the Lord favor you in the least dishonest practices and indulgence of intemperance that will rob you of calm reason <whereby you will have clear conceptions to honestly> transact business or to be diligent in business? You will think yourself sharp and cunning, but your reason is sold for liquor. Satan has control of your powers, and the power of self-control will be overcome by the clamors of appetite. Under Satan’s training your life will be wasted, and you will become in character that which you did not suppose you would be.

From Splendor to Shadow

Counsel to Youths

SS 42.4

With touching pathos he wrote concerning the privileges before the youth: “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.” Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 2a, 1872

2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1872, par. 21

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore ... put away evil from thy flesh” Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10. When conscience that has been long stifled shall arouse it cannot be silenced or overborne. I consider this opportunity a turning point in your destiny.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 4a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 76

A woman who will allow an unchaste word or hint to be uttered in her presence is not as God would have her; one that will permit any undue familiarity or impure suggestion does not preserve her godlike womanhood. Some may think these warnings unnecessary; but God has shown me that they are necessary in every mission, in every college, in every institution that we have established. The wise man has said, “Rejoice, O young man in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore, put away evil from thy flesh.” [Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10.] We are in a day when iniquity abounds. There are those who have but little moral sense; self-pollution has been practiced, and the moral powers are benumbed. Such have no just sense of holiness or purity. They are corrupt and will corrupt others. Miserable wrecks of humanity are everywhere. Some put on a religious garb; but the soul is defiled, and they corrupt other minds. They call evil good and good evil. They are Satan’s most efficient agents, and individuals of this stamp will connect with our institutions and with God’s instrumentalities, masking their evil ways under pretension of godliness. Can we then be too particular, too circumspect? Safety lies in close adherence to rules and regulations in harmony with God’s great moral standard of righteousness. And then there are those who, if so disposed, will find ways to secretly carry out their own inclinations and pursue a course of deception to avoid the censure of those they deem so particular.