SUMMARY
Given the uncertainties of life, both young and old should rejoice in the years God gives them.
ANALYSIS
The imperative directed at young people in 11:9 sounds somewhat surprising in the broader context of the WisdomWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, "The fear of the... More tradition. Ecclesiastes does not call the young to work hard, to get up early, or to lead chaste and pure lives (see Proverbs 6:6; 12:11; 12:24; 19:15; 20:13; 26:14). Young people—as well as senior citizens—are advised to enjoy their lives, even as the Teacher offers the reminder that they all are still responsible to God for their behavior (11:8).
