How does Ecclesiastes 11:6 encourage diligence in our daily work and efforts? Verse Focus “Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, or whether both will be equally good.” Setting the Scene • Solomon has just urged generosity (vv.1-5) and reminded us of life’s uncertainties. • Verse 6 concludes the thought: because only God foresees outcomes, we keep working—morning and evening—trusting Him with the results. Key Insights on Diligence • Steady effort, not spurts – “Sow…in the morning…do not rest…in the evening.” Faithfulness spans the whole day, the whole season of life. • Faith-based labor – We work hard precisely because we “do not know” what will prosper; our ignorance fuels persistence, not paralysis. • God honors multiple ventures – The verse implies scattering seed in more than one furrow. Diverse, consistent efforts invite multiple avenues for God’s blessing. • Partnership with providence – Human responsibility (sowing) and divine sovereignty (which seed “will succeed”) operate together without conflict. Practical Applications for Today • Start early, finish well – Tackle tasks promptly; avoid the drift of procrastination. Morning and evening diligence mirrors Colossians 3:23. • Spread your efforts wisely – Develop skills, initiatives, and relationships in more than one area; allow God room to prosper any of them. • Work when results seem hidden – Like a buried seed, progress may be unseen. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to “grow weary in doing good.” • Resist fatalism – Uncertainty is not an excuse to loaf. Proverbs 10:4 speaks of “idle hands” leading to poverty, while diligent hands bring wealth. • Anchor motives in eternity – 1 Corinthians 15:58 urges us to be “steadfast…always excelling in the work of the Lord,” knowing our labor is never in vain. Scripture Connections • Proverbs 12:11 — “He who works his land will have plenty of food.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 — “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” • Proverbs 21:5 — “The plans of the diligent lead to plenty.” • Psalm 90:17 — “Establish the work of our hands for us.” Takeaway Summary Ecclesiastes 11:6 calls us to wholehearted, all-day, persevering labor. Because only God knows which effort He will prosper—or whether He will bless them all—we keep sowing, keep serving, and keep trusting. Our diligence becomes an act of faith, and He delights to bring fruit in His perfect timing. |
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