1CAST your bread upon the waters; for you shall find it after many days. 2Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for you know not what misfortune shall come upon the earth. 3If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree fall toward the south or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall be. 4He who observes the wind shall not sow; and he who regards the clouds shall not reap. 5As you do not know the path of the wind, and the manner of a woman who is with child; even so you do not know the works of the LORD who makes all.

6In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands: for you know not which shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both alike shall be good.

7Truly light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes; but much more to those who see the sun. 8If a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity.

9Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and it shall be well with you; and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things the LORD will bring you into judgment. 10Therefore remove anger from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and ignorance are vanity.