Ecclesiastes 11:9

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.

Rejoice {H8055}, O young man {H970}, in thy youth {H3208}; and let thy heart {H3820} cheer {H2895} thee in the days {H3117} of thy youth {H979}, and walk {H1980} in the ways {H1870} of thine heart {H3820}, and in the sight {H4758} of thine eyes {H5869}: but know {H3045} thou, that for all these things God {H430} will bring {H935} thee into judgment {H4941}.

Young person, if you spend your youth only having fun, if you use your early years just to entertain yourself, if you follow your heart as you live your life, and let your eyes be your guide; understand that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

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 thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 11:9 encourages young people to enjoy their youth and pursue their desires, but it immediately follows with a crucial caveat: all actions will ultimately be subject to divine judgment. This verse encapsulates the balanced wisdom of the Preacher (KJV: Qoheleth), emphasizing both the freedom to enjoy life's blessings and the responsibility that comes with that freedom.

Context

The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, is a deep philosophical exploration of life's meaning "under the sun" – from a human perspective, often without explicit divine revelation. The Preacher grapples with the vanity and futility of much human endeavor. In chapter 11, the tone shifts slightly, encouraging diligence and enjoying the good things God provides, despite life's uncertainties. Verse 9 serves as a pivotal bridge, urging enjoyment while simultaneously introducing the solemn reality of future accountability before God. It's a call to live fully, yet responsibly.

Key Themes

  • Enjoyment of Youth and Life: The opening phrases, "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth," are an explicit invitation to embrace the vigor, pleasures, and opportunities of young age. It acknowledges the natural desires of the heart and eyes as part of human experience, suggesting that joy and pursuit of passion are not inherently wrong.
  • Freedom and Personal Choice: "Walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes" highlights the individual's autonomy and the freedom to make personal choices. This speaks to the natural inclination to follow one's own desires and perceptions, which is a significant aspect of human existence.
  • Divine Accountability and Judgment: The powerful conjunction "but" introduces the critical counterpoint: "know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment." This solemn declaration serves as a vital reminder that every action, choice, and indulgence, whether good or ill, will ultimately be scrutinized by God. It transforms the encouragement to enjoy into a call for responsible living, understanding that there are ultimate consequences for every path chosen.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Preacher" is from the Hebrew word Qoheleth, which means "one who assembles" or "one who addresses an assembly." This reflects the book's didactic nature, as if a wise teacher is addressing a gathering. The term "judgment" (Hebrew: mishpat) implies a divine reckoning or justice, emphasizing that God is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, and all will face His just evaluation.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 11:9 offers a timeless and balanced perspective on life. It affirms the goodness of enjoying the gifts and experiences God provides, especially during one's prime, but it firmly anchors this enjoyment within the framework of divine accountability. It challenges us to live with intentionality, making choices that honor God, even as we embrace the joys He permits. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that while we have freedom, we are ultimately answerable to our Creator. This profound wisdom culminates in the book's ultimate admonition: "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." The New Testament reinforces this concept of personal accountability, stating that "every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 12:14 (41 votes)

    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

  • 1 John 2:15 (33 votes)

    Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  • 1 John 2:16 (33 votes)

    For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:1 (26 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;

  • Lamentations 3:27 (21 votes)

    [It is] good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:17 (21 votes)

    I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for [there is] a time there for every purpose and for every work.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10 (17 votes)

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.