Ecclesiastes 11:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 11:10 serves as a profound admonition from the Preacher, urging individuals, particularly the young, to proactively cultivate inner peace and moral purity. It commands the removal of vexation from the heart and the avoidance of wicked actions, grounding this imperative in the sobering reality that the vibrant seasons of childhood and youth are inherently fleeting and transient, akin to a vapor that quickly dissipates. This verse encapsulates a call to intentional, wise living in light of life's brevity, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of human responsibility before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 11:10 concludes a section (Ecclesiastes 11:1-10) where the Preacher offers practical wisdom on how to live in a world marked by uncertainty and unpredictability. He encourages active engagement with life, advising diligence in work ("Cast your bread upon the waters," [Ecclesiastes 11:1](/ecclesiastes/11-1 "Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Invest Wisely")) and generosity, even when the outcome is unknown. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the present blessings of life, particularly the light of the sun and the pleasantness of life's days ([Ecclesiastes 11:7](/ecclesiastes/11-7 "Ecclesiastes 11:7 - Enjoy the Light of Life")), while simultaneously remembering that "the days of darkness will be many" ([Ecclesiastes 11:8](/ecclesiastes/11-8 "Ecclesiastes 11:8 - Remember the Days of Darkness")). Verse 10 acts as a crucial bridge, transitioning from the encouragement to enjoy life's present gifts to a solemn reminder of its ephemeral nature. This sets the stage for the ultimate call to remember one's Creator in the days of youth, before the difficult days of old age arrive, as articulated in the opening of the next chapter ([Ecclesiastes 12:1](/ecclesiastes/12-1 "Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember Your Creator in Youth")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is part of the Old Testament's Wisdom Literature, traditionally attributed to King Solomon ("the Preacher," or Qoheleth). Written from the perspective of one who has experienced much of life's pleasures and pursuits, it reflects on the human condition under the sun. The cultural context is ancient Israel, where wisdom was highly valued as a means of navigating life successfully and righteously. The Preacher's observations about the brevity of life and the futility of many human endeavors resonate with a worldview that recognized human mortality and the sovereignty of God. The emphasis on "heart" and "flesh" reflects a holistic understanding of the person, where inner disposition and outward conduct are intrinsically linked, a common theme in Hebrew thought. The concept of "vanity" (hebel) is central to the book, reflecting a perspective that sees all earthly pursuits, apart from God, as ultimately transient and unsatisfactory.

* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 11:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it reinforces the pervasive theme of **Vanity (Hebel)**, highlighting that even the vibrant stages of childhood and youth are fleeting and impermanent, much like a breath or vapor ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Theme of Vanity")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Enjoyment of Life**, but with a crucial caveat: this enjoyment should be pursued wisely and righteously, not squandered on sorrow or evil. The Preacher consistently encourages a joyful disposition within God's framework ([Ecclesiastes 9:7](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7 - Eat Your Bread with Joy")). Thirdly, the verse directly addresses **Human Responsibility and Moral Conduct**, urging a proactive guarding of one's inner life (heart) and outward actions (flesh) from corruption. Finally, it implicitly touches upon **Mortality and the Passage of Time**, serving as a poignant reminder that life's seasons are limited, thus necessitating intentional living and a remembrance of God's ultimate judgment ([Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sorrow (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** From H3708, this term denotes vexation, grief, or internal distress. It signifies a deep emotional turmoil or irritation that can consume the heart, leading to anger, indignation, or general unhappiness. The command to "remove sorrow" is thus a call to actively cast off inner turmoil and cultivate a state of peace, preventing the heart from being dominated by negative emotions or anxieties that detract from wise living.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word refers to that which is bad, wicked, or morally corrupt. It encompasses both natural calamity and, more prominently here, moral depravity or harmful actions. The instruction to "put away evil from thy flesh" implies a directive to abstain from wicked deeds and to maintain moral purity in one's physical conduct and external life, recognizing that such actions defile and bring negative consequences.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** From H1892, this is a cornerstone term in Ecclesiastes, signifying emptiness, futility, or something transitory and unsatisfactory. It is often used to describe that which is fleeting, vaporous, or impermanent, like a breath or a wisp of smoke. When applied to "childhood and youth," it powerfully conveys that these vibrant stages of life, with all their vigor and opportunities, are not enduring but quickly pass, underscoring the urgency of wise living within their limited duration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart,"**: This is a direct imperative, a command to actively cast off or turn away from inner vexation, grief, or anger. The "heart" (lêb) in Hebrew thought is the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, representing the totality of one's inner being. The instruction is to guard one's internal state from being consumed by negative emotions that hinder joy and wisdom.
* **"and put away evil from thy flesh:"**: Another imperative, this calls for the active removal or crossing over from "evil" (raʻ), which refers to wickedness or harmful actions. "Flesh" (bâsâr) represents the physical body and, by extension, one's outward conduct and actions. This clause emphasizes the need for moral purity and self-control in one's external life, suggesting that internal peace must be accompanied by righteous behavior.
* **"for childhood and youth [are] vanity."**: This serves as the powerful justification for the preceding commands. "Childhood" (yaldûwth) and "youth" (shachărûwth) refer to the early, vigorous stages of life. The declaration that they "are vanity" (hebel) highlights their fleeting, transient, and impermanent nature. This is not a statement of nihilism but a profound observation that these precious seasons, with all their potential, quickly pass, urging an intentional and wise stewardship of this limited time.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 11:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in the direct commands "remove" and "put away," which emphasize the urgency and necessity of the Preacher's counsel. There is a clear use of **Parallelism** in the structure of the first two clauses, "remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh," creating a balanced and emphatic call to both internal and external purity. **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** is evident in the use of "heart" to represent one's inner emotional and intellectual life, and "flesh" to signify one's physical body and outward conduct. These terms stand for the whole person, highlighting a holistic approach to wise living. Finally, the verse's concluding statement, "for childhood and youth [are] **Vanity**," reiterates the central **Theme of "Hebel"** (futility/transience) that pervades the book, serving as a powerful **Justification** for the preceding commands and underscoring the precious, yet fleeting, nature of life's early stages.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 11:10 profoundly impacts our theological understanding by asserting that human life, particularly its vibrant early stages, is a precious but temporary gift from God. This transience ("vanity") does not imply meaninglessness but rather emphasizes the urgency of living wisely and righteously within the time allotted. It underscores the biblical principle of human responsibility for one's inner state and outward actions, recognizing that both sorrow and evil can hinder a life lived in accordance with God's will. The verse implicitly calls for a mindful stewardship of time and energy, reminding us that true wisdom involves acknowledging our mortality and making choices that honor God, rather than succumbing to internal vexation or external corruption. It is a theological call to embrace intentionality and moral integrity as a response to the brevity of life.

* [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - Number Our Days") - "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") - "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor") - "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 11:10 offers timeless wisdom that resonates deeply with contemporary life. It challenges us to actively engage in the cultivation of our inner lives and external conduct. In a world often characterized by anxiety and moral ambiguity, the command to "remove sorrow from thy heart" is a powerful invitation to practice spiritual disciplines that foster peace, contentment, and trust in God, rather than allowing worry or bitterness to take root. This might involve intentional prayer, meditation on Scripture, cultivating gratitude, or seeking wise counsel. Similarly, "put away evil from thy flesh" calls for a conscious commitment to moral integrity in all areas of life—our words, actions, relationships, and digital interactions. Recognizing that "childhood and youth are vanity" is a sobering yet liberating truth. It urges us, regardless of our age, to value the present moment, to invest our time and energy in what truly matters, and to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that our time on earth is finite. This perspective encourages us to pursue wisdom, cultivate virtue, and build a legacy that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "sorrow" or inner vexation do I need to actively "remove" from my heart today, and how can I pursue spiritual peace?**
* **In what areas of my "flesh" or outward conduct might "evil" be present, and what concrete steps can I take to "put it away" and live with greater moral integrity?**
* **How does the understanding that "childhood and youth are vanity" (or that life itself is fleeting) impact my priorities and the way I choose to spend my time and energy?**
* **Am I living intentionally, making the most of the present season of my life, or am I squandering it on things that are ultimately transient and unfulfilling?**

### FAQ

**Does "vanity" in Ecclesiastes 11:10 mean that life is meaningless or hopeless?**

Answer: Not at all. The Hebrew word `hebel` (H1892), translated "vanity," does not imply nihilism or that life is without purpose. Instead, it conveys the idea of something fleeting, transient, insubstantial, or vaporous—like a breath or a wisp of smoke. When applied to "childhood and youth," it emphasizes their temporary nature. The Preacher is not saying these stages are meaningless, but rather that they are brief and quickly pass. This understanding serves as a powerful motivation to live wisely and intentionally during these precious, limited seasons, rather than squandering them on sorrow or evil. The book of Ecclesiastes, while acknowledging life's uncertainties and transience, ultimately concludes with a call to fear God and keep His commandments ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man")), which gives ultimate meaning and purpose.

**How can one "remove sorrow from thy heart" when life is full of difficulties?**

Answer: The command to "remove sorrow" (H3708, `kaʻaç`, vexation/grief) is not a call to deny pain or suppress emotions, but rather to actively prevent internal turmoil from dominating one's heart and hindering wise living. It implies a conscious effort to guard one's inner peace. This can involve trusting in God's sovereignty amidst trials, practicing gratitude, seeking spiritual solace through prayer and Scripture, and cultivating a mindset that chooses joy and contentment over bitterness or despair. While sorrow is an inevitable part of the human experience, the verse encourages us not to let it define or consume us, especially in the precious, fleeting seasons of youth. It aligns with other biblical wisdom that encourages a joyful heart ([Proverbs 17:22](/proverbs/17-22 "Proverbs 17:22 - A Merry Heart")) and casting anxieties upon God ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Cares on Him")).

**Is Ecclesiastes 11:10 only relevant for young people?**

Answer: While the verse specifically mentions "childhood and youth," its underlying principles are universally applicable. The Preacher's primary audience for this specific exhortation is indeed the young, urging them to make wise choices during their formative years before the vigor of youth fades. However, the core message—that life is transient and therefore should be lived with intentionality, moral integrity, and a guarded heart—applies to people of all ages. Every stage of life is fleeting, and the call to remove sorrow and put away evil remains a lifelong pursuit for anyone seeking to live wisely and righteously before God. The wisdom of this verse encourages all to make the most of the time they have, regardless of their current season of life ([Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Make the Best Use of Time")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 11:10, with its urgent call to remove sorrow and evil in light of life's brevity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "sorrow" (kaʻaç) that vexes the human heart, often rooted in sin, fear, and the uncertainties of a fallen world, is perfectly addressed by Christ, who is our peace. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), offering a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give You")). Furthermore, the command to "put away evil from thy flesh" points directly to Christ's redemptive work. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His sacrifice, we are not only forgiven but also empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives free from the dominion of sin ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified")). The "vanity" (hebel) of childhood and youth, and indeed of all earthly life apart from God, is transcended in Christ. While our earthly days are fleeting, in Him we find eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) and a purpose that endures beyond this temporal existence. Living for Christ gives ultimate meaning to our fleeting days, transforming what is otherwise "vanity" into a life lived for eternal glory ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). He is the wisdom of God, enabling us to truly number our days and apply our hearts to what truly matters ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

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

Ecclesiastes 12:1

¶ 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

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

Job 20:11

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

Psalms 90:7

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