Lesson 370: Ecclesiastes 11:5
The Blueprint — The Verse
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
encourages active life under uncertainty. In an age without meteorology or embryology as we know them, wind and womb illustrated mysteries beyond human control. The Teacher uses them to humble readers before God's unfathomable work as Maker of all.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After urging generosity and diversified labor while young, the Teacher reminds readers that clouds and rain follow patterns humans cannot fully grasp. Likewise, the spirit in the womb and God's comprehensive work remain beyond understanding, calling for trust and obedience without total explanation.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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He who observes the wind won’t sow; and he who regards the clouds won’t reap.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don’t withhold your hand; for you don’t know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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What mysteries of God's work are you trying to control or explain?
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How does humility before the Maker affect daily decisions?
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Where should you act faithfully even when you cannot understand outcomes?