the point the passage the bible meets life the...

The PointWhen it comes to your money, plan and invest wisely.

The PassageEcclesiastes 11:1-6

The Bible Meets Life“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The origin of that phrase is at least 400 years old,

but the principle is far older. Even the Bible speaks to the wisdom of diversifying our

investments. That may not seem like a spiritual matter, but the Bible calls us to be good

stewards, and therefore, it calls us to be wise in all aspects of our lives and finances.

The SettingEcclesiastes 11:1-6 serves as the conclusion to Solomon’s final teachings on wealth

(Ecclesiastes 10:18–11:6). Solomon writes about the dangers of being consumed with work

and the gaining of wealth, poverty because of laziness, and the uncertainty of the future

financial success. Amid all these dangers, while diligence in our work is required, true

security lies in trusting God for the future.

B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 125© 2015 LifeWay

What does the Bible say?

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (HCSB)

1 Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many

days you may find it.

2 Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know

what disaster may happen on earth.

3 If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth;

whether a tree falls to the south or the north, the place where the

tree falls, there it will lie.

4 One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who

looks at the clouds will not reap.

5 Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones

develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know

the work of God who makes everything.

6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your

hand rest, because you don’t know which will succeed, whether

one or the other, or if both of them will be equally good.

126 S E S S I O N 5© 2015 LifeWay

GET INTO THE STUDYDISCUSS: Invite your group members

to discuss Question 1 on page 99 of

the Personal Study Guide (PSG): “What

comes to mind when you hear the

word ‘invest’?” Allow time for each

person to respond.

ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): To illustrate

the Point, divide your group into

subgroups of three or four people each.

Supply each group with Lincoln Logs or

similar building blocks and instruct them

to create a freestanding structure. Allow subgroups to work for two minutes, then

assess each group’s structure. Next, instruct them to build the most durable structure

(one that could withstand some adversity). What did they do differently to make their

structure sturdier? Creating something meant to withstand outside elements begins

with a solid foundation. Our investments are no different. We need a solid foundation.

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 100): The world of financial investing can be

a virtual minefield. Countless people have lost their entire life savings by making

emotional, knee-jerk reactions to the natural ebb and flow of our economy. Ours has

become an instant gratification society, so that we no longer are cultivating patience

and persistence through waiting and trusting. If their investments don’t turn around

instant returns, many people quickly move to the next big idea with very little thought.

SAY: “Solomon knew the danger of the ‘quick fix’ and warned readers to invest wisely

and wait patiently. The law of the harvest takes time, but it yields a bountiful crop to

those who are diligent and willing to work—and patient enough to wait.”

GUIDE: Call the group’s attention to The Point on page 100 of the PSG: “When it

comes to your money, plan and invest wisely.”

PRAY: Transition into the Bible study by praying for discernment to plan and invest

finances wisely.

10 minutes

Notes

TIP: Make every attempt to create a relaxing environment for your Bible study group. Consider bringing in some accent lighting or lamps, providing coffee or breakfast foods, and arranging your chairs in a manner where everyone can make eye contact and see each others’ faces.

PLAYLIST PICK: “We Are Yours”

by I Am They

THE POINT When it comes to your money, plan and invest wisely.


10 minutes

Notes

ALTERNATE QUESTION: Why are we often tempted to put all our eggs in one basket?

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2

1 Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may

find it. 2 Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what

disaster may happen on earth.

DISCUSS: Question 2 on page 102 of the PSG: “What are different ways

people respond to the uncertainty of the future?”

READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Ecclesiastes 11:1-2.

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 102): Leading up to Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon

admitted we face great uncertainty regarding the future; at the same time he

assured us that God has it all under control (Ecclesiastes 9:1). In light of this, the

wise king offered some tips for smart living.

] In verse 1, the phrase “send your bread on the surface of the waters” was an

instruction to actively manage our money and resist the urge to hoard it.

] The phrase “to seven or even to eight” is a Hebrew literary device used to

mean “many” and is not limited to a specific amount. Solomon’s instruction

was to place our money in more than one place to avoid unforeseen

circumstances.

] This idea parallels the mantra of most financial advisors today:

diversification. They encourage their clients to invest in bonds, stocks, real

estate, and numerous other options.

] Solomon advised against putting all your eggs in one basket. His

admonition was to spread out your investments in order to divide the risk.

TRANSITION: God calls us to act wisely, but what do we do when hardships

come? The next verses give us some instruction.

STUDY THE BIBLE

12 8 S E S S I O N 5© 2015 LifeWay

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 Commentary

Don’t put all your financial eggs in one basket. Verse 1: In the final two chapters of Ecclesiastes,

Solomon summarized the wisdom he had given in the first 10 chapters of the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Solomon began this book by writing, “Absolute futility. Everything is futile” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). When

examining life without God, Christians today come to that same conclusion. But when we trust Christ

and ask for forgiveness for our sins, we establish a relationship with God and that conclusion changes.

God sent Jesus so that we “may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10).

Part of this abundant life, this life to the fullest, results in changes we make in our attitudes and actions

toward money and possessions. The Bible repeatedly addresses the subject of finances because money

and possessions are tied to who we are. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be

also” (Matthew 6:21).

Ecclesiastes 11:1 begins with a simple command to “send your bread on the surface of the waters.” In

regards to how we invest our money, this command certainly forbids hoarding (as does Jesus’ parable

of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21). God expects us to surrender all of our lives to Him—including the

financial aspect (Matthew 6:33). Today we can apply Solomon’s advice to our money and possessions.

We must invest our money wisely. God commands it, and in the second part of Ecclesiastes 11:1, He

tells us why: “for after many days you may find it.” The basic meaning is that wise investing produces a

profitable return.

Verse 2: Why should we invest money wisely? Because God said it is reason enough. Yet God provides

reasons in other Bible passages. For example, God repeatedly commands His people to work to share

with those who have needs (Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Ephesians 4:28). God through Solomon gives further

advice about how to invest wisely in Ecclesiastes 11:2. “Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you

don’t know what disaster may happen on earth.” The phrase “to seven or even to eight” is a Hebrew

literary device used to mean “many” and is not limited to a specific amount (see also Proverbs 6:16;

30:15-33; Amos 1; Micah 5:5 for other instances of numbers used in this way). Again, God’s point is clear:

we need to diversify our investments. When we do this, we avoid disaster.

From Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 we see that God commands that we act rather than procrastinate until some

future time when all may seem right. We can’t know all that will happen in the future; but, we can take

action in the present to invest wisely—to diversify our investments so that we will be able to share with

those who need it. To be lazy and depend on others to support us has never been God’s plan for His

people. God calls for us to invest wisely, even though we don’t know what the future may bring.



10 minutes

Notes

ALTERNATE QUESTION: What steps can you take when worry has you paralyzed?

Ecclesiastes 11:3-4

3 If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth; whether a tree falls

to the south or the north, the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. 4 One

who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will

not reap.

READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Ecclesiastes 11:3-4

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 103): Written to an agrarian society, Solomon

used a farming scenario to communicate his message: it’s best to have a long-term

view of life.

] Farming is hard work that carries no guarantees. Each growing season,

farmers depend on the right mix of sunshine and rain to yield an abundant

harvest.

] Fearfully watching the wind and constantly looking at the clouds ultimately

can paralyze the farmer and prevent any possible harvest.

] Aware of this fact, Solomon admonished his readers to keep working

faithfully, regardless of what may—or may not—come on the horizon.

] Choosing not to plant or harvest out of fear that rain will come isn’t smart

and can harm a farmer’s crop and income.

DISCUSS: Question 3 on page 103 of the PSG: “How have you reacted to

misfortune in the past?” (Note: This question isn’t just talking about financial

misfortune . As you lead the discussion, be sensitive to answers that refer to other

unfortunate life circumstances . Many times, adversity tempts us to turn away

from God, act on foolish ideas, and become paralyzed with fear .)

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 103): This message applies to us today. If we

wait for the perfect financial forecast before acting, we will be waiting a very

long time. The minute we may think conditions are just right, circumstances may

change, the market may fluctuate, or something totally unanticipated may arise.

We have no guarantees, so it’s good to go ahead and act—provided we do so

wisely (such as following the principles mentioned with verses 1-2).

STUDY THE BIBLE



Misfortune may arise but keep working. Verse 3: The basic thrust of these two verses is that we

need to have a long-term view of life. When we focus only on the present, we may miss some of the

blessings God has in store for us later in our lives. The two basic parts of Ecclesiastes 11:3 refer to things

that we as mere humans don’t control. In the first part of the verse, we observe with Solomon that when

“clouds are full,” it rains. Regardless of how much we want it to rain (or how much we want it not to rain),

we can’t change what God has put in place. Similarly, when God’s wind causes a tree to fall, it will remain

in that place. Much as we want it to move, it will not—unless some powerful outside force moves it.

Some things in life are under our control; others simply are not.

What does that have to do with our investing money wisely? Is having a long-term view of how we

invest our money wise? Of course. Should we investigate and plan well? Absolutely. But we should also

realize that some things are beyond our control; only God knows how everything works together. We

must never do so much planning that we fail to act. We may lose our opportunity if we don’t act at the

right time in the right way. Verse 4 explains that more fully.

Verse 4: Tenth-century B.C. Israel was primarily an agricultural society. Although Solomon had ships

that traveled every three years (1 Kings 10:22) and there were many tradesmen with various skills, most

people had an intimate knowledge of farming. The Holy Spirit led Solomon to use this agricultural

example to explain that we must act. His first example was of a person who spent his time watching the

wind; he would never find the time was right to sow (plant). Likewise, if we spend all our time watching

for stock market conditions to be perfect or real estate to be at the price we want, we may never invest.

What a disappointment that must be for God when He gives us an opportunity and we fail to take

advantage of it.

Similarly, the second half of verse 4, “the one who looks at the clouds will not reap,” reflects the same

conclusion about the lack of action. God’s meaning is clear: He calls us to act. The command to act

includes all of life—especially our finances.

Sometimes bad things happen and we may experience unforeseen circumstances or problems.

However, we should never use those possibilities as excuses for doing nothing. In other words, some

people will not do anything with their finances and assets until they are absolutely certain it is safe. We

have no guarantees, so it’s good to go ahead and act—provided we do so with wisdom. The next few

verses deal with this topic more extensively.



10 minutes

Notes

ALTERNATE QUESTION: In what areas of life do you feel uncertain about the future?

Ecclesiastes 11:5-6

5 Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the

womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes

everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your

hand rest, because you don’t know which will succeed, whether one or the

other, or if both of them will be equally good.

READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Ecclesiastes 11:5-6.

DISCUSS: Question 4 on page 104 of the PSG: “What is the connection

between trusting God and investing money wisely?”

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 105): Our understanding is limited and our

knowledge is finite. Yet we are loved and cared for by the One who scattered the

stars in countless galaxies throughout the universe and intricately wove a precise

network of veins and arteries to send blood coursing throughout our bodies. The

same God who holds the earth together by a mere word sustains our lives—even

our next breath. His knowledge is limitless; His relationship is intimate. He is more

than able to take care of the details of our lives. So when faced with uncertainty,

leave it in His hands.

DISCUSS: Question 5 on page 105 of the PSG: “How does the wisdom in

this passage both inspire and challenge you?” (Note: If group members

offer general or vague responses, encourage them to be specific by saying “Tell

me more about what you’re thinking” or “How so?”)

DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 104 of the PSG on

their own. If time allows, invite volunteers to share aloud their responses.

Plant & Harvest:

] How can I eliminate $25 in my spending each month?

] Where can I invest that $25 each month instead of spending it?

TRANSITION: God’s knowledge of both present and future is complete—unlike

ours. Because of this, we can follow Him in total trust.

STUDY THE BIBLE



Life is uncertain, so leave it all in God’s hands. Verse 5: In Ecclesiastes 11:5, Solomon left the

agricultural examples he used in verses 3-4 (and to which he would return in v. 6) to use a different

example. One difficulty we have in correctly understanding the first part of this verse is that the Hebrew

word ruach is variously translated as “Spirit” of God (Genesis 1:2), “spirit” of man (Exodus 6:9), “wind”

(Genesis 8:1), or “breath” (6:17), depending on the context and the interpretation of the translator. In

Ecclesiastes 11:5, some Bible translations use the word “wind” and others use the word “spirit.” While the

translation “spirit” would tie in better with the next line, “how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant

woman,” many English versions of the Bible translate this Hebrew word as “wind” (as in the path of the

wind) for the first line. In either translation, Solomon’s conclusion is clear: humans don’t understand the

works of God (Psalm 139:17). The final part of Ecclesiastes 11:5 reminds us of this important truth:”so you

don’t know the work of God who makes everything.”

Verse 6: Verse 6 is another way of stating what God had previously led Solomon to write: “Whatever

your hands find to do, do with all your strength” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Solomon returned to his use of

agricultural examples. ”In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hand rest.” In

this verse God may be speaking of working in the morning and in the evening. Certainly God does not

want us to be continually working to the point of exhaustion. He wants us to have time to spend with

Him and time to spend with our families. But He created us to work. God created work for people to do

(Genesis 1:28; 2:15) before sin ever entered the world (Genesis 3). Only after sin entered the world did

work become “painful labor” (v. 17). This may also be speaking of the seasons of our lives. God wants us

to work when we are young (morning) and when we are old (evening). Unfortunately too many people

have the idea that retirement is their time to rest from all activity when God says just the opposite: “at

evening do not let your hand rest.”

Solomon continued God’s words in the second part of Ecclesiastes 11:6: “because you don’t know which

will succeed, whether one or the other, or if both of them will be equally good.” Given our limited

knowledge of the present and certainly the future, we need to depend on God’s complete knowledge

of both present and future. In the Old Testament, particularly in the Wisdom Literature and specifically

in Ecclesiastes, success is not tied to money as it is in our society. Biblical success involves following

God’s plan for our lives and our honoring Him with our lifestyles.

Previous Biblical Illustrator articles “Israel’s Climate” (Summer 2013), “Bread and Bread Making in the Ancient World” (Fall 2011), “Trees in Ancient Israel” (Summer 2000), and “Ancient Israel’s Agrarian Culture” (Summer 1998) relate to this lesson and can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator. Look for Biblical Illustrator for Bible Studies for Life.



5 minutes LIVE IT OUTSAY: “How will you live out the truth of this passage?”

GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed

on page 106 of the PSG.

] Trust God. Underneath any decisions you make about money or

investments should be a trust in God. Take a moment to intentionally

surrender your finances to God. Choose to place your trust in Him instead of

trusting in the economy or your circumstances.

] Get a game plan. Examine your current financial practices and determine

what steps you should take so that you can begin investing if you don’t

already. Enlist the help of a trusted Christian friend who has a handle on

financial matters or visit with a financial planner.

] Invest in God’s kingdom. Sacrifice something you’ve been wanting to

do for yourself, and instead, invest that money in a Christian ministry above

and beyond the tithe to your church.

Wrap It Up

SAY: “Navigating the waters of financial investment can be difficult without

guidance. We can’t foresee adversity; but we can trust God’s Word and make wise

decisions with our money. So, go ahead. Work hard, make a solid plan, and

then trust God to take care of the rest.”

Get expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid

(MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife).


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