As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
Solomon had often, in this book, pressed it upon rich people to take the comfort of their riches themselves; here he presses it upon them to do good to others with them and to abound in liberality to the poor, which will, another day, abound to their account. Observe, I. How the duty itself is recommended to us, Ecc 11:1. 1.
Commenting on Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit,.... If indeed a man could foresee and be assured of seasonable weather for sowing and reaping, or a proper opportunity for doing good, all circumstances agreeing, it would be right to wait for it, and take it; but as these things are not in our power, nor within the compass of our knowledge, we...
spirit--How the soul animates the body! Thus the transition to the formation of the body "in the womb" is more natural, than if with MAURER we translate it "wind" (Ecc 1:6; Joh 3:8). bones . . . grow-- (Job 10:8-9; Psa 139:15-16). knowest not the works of God-- (Ecc 3:11; Ecc 8:17; Ecc 9:12).