1Cast thy bread upon the waters ; for thou shalt find it after many days . 2Give a portion to seven , yea , even unto eight ; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Embrace Opportunities
3If the clouds be full of rain , they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree fall toward the south , or toward the north , in the place where the tree falleth , there shall it be . 4He that observeth the wind shall not sow ; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap .
The Joy of Youth and the Reality of Aging
5As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind , nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child ; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all . 6In the morning sow thy seed , and in the evening withhold not thy hand ; for thou knowest not which shall prosper , whether this or that , or whether they both shall be alike good . 7Truly the light is sweet , and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun . 8Yea , if a man live many years , let him rejoice in them all ; but let him remember the days of darkness , for they shall be many . All that cometh is vanity .
The Call to Remember the Creator
9Rejoice , 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 . 10Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart , and put away evil from thy flesh ; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity .