Ecclesiastes 11:4

Authorized King James Version

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He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

Original Language Analysis

שֹׁמֵ֥ר He that observeth H8104
שֹׁמֵ֥ר He that observeth
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
ר֖וּחַ the wind H7307
ר֖וּחַ the wind
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 2 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִזְרָ֑ע shall not sow H2232
יִזְרָ֑ע shall not sow
Strong's: H2232
Word #: 4 of 8
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
וְרֹאֶ֥ה and he that regardeth H7200
וְרֹאֶ֥ה and he that regardeth
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 5 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בֶעָבִ֖ים the clouds H5645
בֶעָבִ֖ים the clouds
Strong's: H5645
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִקְצֽוֹר׃ shall not reap H7114
יִקְצֽוֹר׃ shall not reap
Strong's: H7114
Word #: 8 of 8
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

Analysis & Commentary

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap—the Hebrew shomer ruach lo yizra ve-ro'eh ba-avim lo yiktzor (שֹׁמֵר רוּחַ לֹא יִזְרָע וְרֹאֶה בֶעָבִים לֹא יִקְצוֹר) warns against over-caution that leads to paralysis. Ancient farmers needed favorable conditions—calm winds for sowing seed, dry weather for harvest. But waiting for perfect conditions guaranteed inaction, since perfect weather never comes.

This verse counters verse 3's potential misreading. Yes, some factors are beyond control (rain falls, trees fall), but don't let awareness of uncontrollable risks paralyze wise action. The farmer who obsesses over wind direction never plants; the one who fears every cloud never harvests. Both starve from excessive caution. Wisdom requires acting despite uncertainty and risk. Proverbs 20:4 makes similar point: "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest." Jesus warned against the servant who buried his talent in fearful inaction (Matthew 25:24-30).

Historical Context

Palestinian agriculture involved real risks—strong winds could scatter seed wastefully, and rain during harvest could ruin grain. Farmers needed wisdom to choose appropriate times for sowing and reaping. But those who demanded perfect conditions never acted—there's always some wind, always potential rain. The verse teaches that productive living requires accepting calculated risks rather than demanding guaranteed outcomes. This wisdom applies universally: the entrepreneur who waits for perfect market conditions never starts a business; the minister who waits for perfect spiritual readiness never evangelizes; the couple who waits for perfect circumstances never has children. Faith requires acting wisely despite uncertainty, trusting God's providence (Proverbs 16:9, 19:21).

Questions for Reflection