Ecclesiastes 11:1-9, Luis Cruz, GCF Durham Ecclesiastes came from the Hebrew word Qoheleth, which means “one who calls people” or “assembler” of the people, and traditionally translated as preacher. The author of the book of Ecclesiastes was Solomon, the son of King David. He reigned as Israel’s king from 961-922 B.C. If he was alive today, he would have been a good blogger. Somebody who would write informally about life and offers his two cents. I would also liken Chapter 11 with Instagram where Solomon posted and shared to his followers some nuggets of wisdom he learned through his personal experiences with God. I believe these nuggets of ancient wisdom on money, relationship and God are timeless because they are still applicable across ages even today. 1. Invest on things that appreciate. v.1 “Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.” v.1 • “Appreciate” as a business terminology refers to the increase of value over time. • “Grain” represents the fruit of your labor. • “shipping” represents your planning. • “Return” refers to your gain. • Don’t waste your resources on things that depreciate and doesn’t help you attain your goal. • Avoid becoming an impulsive spender. • The little resources God has entrusted to you must be invested in the right things. 2. Spread your resources wisely. vv.2-3. “2 Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. 3 If clouds are full of water, they pour rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there it will lie.” • Diversify your resources. • “Do not put all your eggs in one basket” and depend on it solely for return. • Don’t rely on a single plan. • Try to upgrade yourself if you still can. • Find ways to save money for your future. • And do not rely solely on your Canada Pension Plan. 3. Find the right person to partner. v.4, 6 “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap… Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” • Find a disciplined partner to help you reach new heights. Cf. 2 Thess. 3:10-12; 2 Cor. 6:14-15. • Look at his/her track record in managing time, resources and relationship. • Pray hard for the right person to be involved with. 4. Enjoy your life but do not sin. “However, many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.” v.8 • Solomon did not end well. • Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. See 1 Kings 11:3-5. • He brought sufferings upon himself. • Because he turned to other gods, God removed his protection upon Solomon and his kingdom. • God allowed his enemies to bring disaster in his kingdom. • After his death, the kingdom was divided and only the southern Kingdom (Tribes of Judah and Benjamin) survived. 5. Aim to end well with God. “You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” v.9. • Remember there are consequences for evil deeds. • Remember to focus on the Lord. • Respect others but do not give in to their pressures. Lessons learned: • Do not neglect God in all the things you do. • Prioritize God in everything. • Obey His commands as they benefit us. • Remember your Creator all the time to help avoid sin.