A godly rejoicing in one’s youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10)
This exegetical article by Thomas Miersma explores Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, examining the biblical call for young people to rejoice in their youth and pursue their God-given talents and interests. The author emphasizes that youthful energy and discovery are gifts from God's design, while offering theological reflection on how this Old Testament wisdom applies to Christian living and the proper use of one's youth.
The Word of God now turns our attention from the natural joy of life under the sun and its spiritual implications to a similar reality, the joy and strength of youth. 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 thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes (Eccl. 11:9a). The Word of God here comes first of all with an exhortation to rejoice, which is perhaps easy to overlook, given the warnings that follow. That calling to...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org