(a) That is, be liberal to the poor, and though it seems to be as a thing ventured on the sea, yet it will bring you profit.

2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

3 If the {b} clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the {c} tree falleth toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

(b) As the clouds that are full pour out rain, so the rich that have abundance must distribute it liberally.

(c) He exhorts to be liberal while we live: for after, there is no power.

4 He that observeth the {d} wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

(d) He who fears inconveniences when need requires will never do his duty.

5 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.

6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening {e} withhold not thy hand: for thou knowest not which shall prosper, either this or {f} that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

(e) Be not weary of well doing.

(f) That is, which of your works are most agreeable to God.

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

8 But if a man shall live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of {g} darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

(g) That is, of affliction and trouble.

9 {h} Rejoice, 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 thy eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

(h) He derides them who set their desire in worldly pleasures as though God would not call count.

10 Therefore remove {i} sorrow from thy heart, and {k} put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

(i) That is, anger and envy.

(k) Meaning, carnal lusts to which youth is given.