Bread Upon the Waters

1Cast your bread upon the waters,

for after many days you will find it again.

2Give portions to seven, yes to eight,

for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

3If clouds are full of water,

they pour rain upon the earth.

Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,

in the place where it falls, there will it lie.

4Whoever watches the wind will not plant;

whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

5As you do not know the path of the wind,

or how the body is formed^a in a mother’s womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God,

the Maker of all things.

6Sow your seed in the morning,

and at evening let not your hands be idle,

for you do not know which will succeed,

whether this or that,

or whether both will do equally well.

Remember Your Creator While Young

7Light is sweet,

and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

8However many years a man may live,

let him enjoy them all.

But let him remember the days of darkness,

for they will be many.

Everything to come is meaningless.

9Be happy, young man, 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 to judgment.

10So then, banish anxiety from your heart

and cast off the troubles of your body,

for youth and vigor are meaningless.