Ecclesiastes 11:10

Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth [are] vanity.

Therefore remove {H5493} sorrow {H3708} from thy heart {H3820}, and put away {H5674} evil {H7451} from thy flesh {H1320}: for childhood {H3208} and youth {H7839} are vanity {H1892}.

Therefore, remove anger from your heart; and keep from harming your body; for neither adolescence nor youth has any lasting value.

So banish sorrow from your heart, and cast off pain from your body, for youth and vigor are fleeting.

Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 11:10 (KJV) offers profound wisdom regarding the brevity of youth and the importance of how one lives during this fleeting period. It serves as a direct instruction to the young, or anyone contemplating life's transient nature, to cultivate internal peace and moral purity.

Context

This verse concludes a section (Ecclesiastes 11:1-10) where the Preacher, traditionally King Solomon, encourages active engagement with life, diligence in work, and generosity, even amidst life's uncertainties. He emphasizes that one should enjoy the light of life while it lasts (Ecclesiastes 11:7), but also remember the days of darkness that may come. Verse 10 acts as a bridge, transitioning from the enjoyment of life's present blessings to the sobering reality of its quick passage, setting the stage for the ultimate call to remember God in youth found in Ecclesiastes 12:1.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Imperative to Avoid Sorrow and Evil: The Preacher gives two direct commands: "remove sorrow from thy heart" and "put away evil from thy flesh."
    • "Sorrow" (Hebrew: ka'as) refers to vexation, grief, or internal distress that can consume one's spirit.
    • "Evil" (Hebrew: ra) refers to wickedness or harmful actions, implying a call to moral purity and self-control. This isn't just about avoiding external troubles but internal corruption.
  • The Fleeting Nature of Youth: The reason for these commands is powerfully stated: "for childhood and youth [are] vanity." The Hebrew term hebel (often translated "vanity" or "futility") is a central theme in Ecclesiastes, signifying that which is fleeting, vaporous, or impermanent (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Youth, with its vigor and opportunities, is transient and quickly passes, much like a breath.
  • Mindful Enjoyment of Life: This verse, rather than being pessimistic, is a call to live wisely and intentionally. Because youth is temporary, it should not be squandered on excessive grief or moral corruption, but rather lived with purpose and joy, honoring God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "vanity" (Hebrew: hebel) is crucial here. It doesn't necessarily mean "meaningless" in a nihilistic sense, but rather highlights the ephemeral, transient quality of life's stages and worldly pursuits. It's like a wisp of smoke or a breath – here one moment, gone the next. Understanding hebel helps us grasp the Preacher's emphasis on the brevity of youth and the urgency to make wise choices during this precious time.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 11:10 remains highly relevant today, urging us to:

  • Embrace Joy and Peace: Actively resist allowing excessive worry, resentment, or despair to dominate your inner life. Seek inner peace and cultivate a joyful heart.
  • Live with Moral Integrity: Be diligent in avoiding actions and attitudes that are morally corrupt or harmful to yourself and others. Guard your heart and your conduct (Proverbs 4:23).
  • Value the Present: Recognize that every stage of life, especially youth, is a gift that will not last. Don't take it for granted. Use your energy, time, and opportunities wisely, remembering that time is precious (Psalm 90:12).
  • Prepare for the Future: While enjoying the present, this verse implicitly encourages us to use our youth to build a foundation of wisdom and righteousness that will serve us well throughout life, and into eternity.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • 2 Timothy 2:22 (9 votes)

    ¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:2 (6 votes)

    Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

  • Ecclesiastes 1:14 (6 votes)

    I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • Job 20:11 (5 votes)

    His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

  • Psalms 90:7 (5 votes)

    ¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.