1 Bread Upon the Waters
1 Cast your bread upon the waters, 1 for after many days you will find it again.
2 Give portions to seven, yes to eight, 2 for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
3 If clouds are full of water, 3 they pour rain upon the earth. 3 Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, 3 in the place where it falls, there will it lie.
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant; 4 whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
5 As you do not know the path of the wind, 5 or how the body is formed[a] in a mother's womb, 5 so you cannot understand the work of God, 5 the Maker of all things.
6 Sow your seed in the morning, 6 and at evening let not your hands be idle, 6 for you do not know which will succeed, 6 whether this or that, 6 or whether both will do equally well.
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7 Remember Your Creator While Young
7 Light is sweet, 7 and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
8 However many years a man may live, 8 let him enjoy them all. 8 But let him remember the days of darkness, 8 for they will be many. 8 Everything to come is meaningless.
9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, 9 and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. 9 Follow the ways of your heart 9 and whatever your eyes see, 9 but know that for all these things 9 God will bring you to judgment.
10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart 10 and cast off the troubles of your body, 10 for youth and vigor are meaningless.
