Keep sowing good seed, morning and evening, because we cannot know which will grow.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”Ecclesiastes 11:6 (KJV)
What does “Sowing” mean in Ecclesiastes 11:6?
The Teacher speaks like a farmer who cannot control the weather or the harvest. He tells us to keep working faithfully, since we do not know which seed will succeed and which will not.
Going deeper
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand. The Teacher has just reminded us that we cannot predict what will happen. Clouds may bring rain, or they may not, and a person who waits for perfect conditions will never plant. His conclusion is that we should keep sowing, morning and evening, because we do not know which seed will grow, or whether both will do equally well.
This is encouraging for anyone who serves without seeing results. You may be praying for someone for years, teaching a class, or being kind to a difficult neighbor. You cannot control the harvest. Your task is to sow. Do not wait for ideal circumstances or for certainty about what will work. Plant a seed today in the way that is in front of you, a kind word, a prayer, or a small gift, and leave the growing to God.
Reflect
What seed could you sow today without knowing how it will grow?
Pray
Lord, help me to sow faithfully and leave the harvest to You. Give me patience to keep going when I cannot see results. In Jesus' name, amen.
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