How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #4
When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. Whoever observes the wind will not sow; and whoever regards the clouds will not reap. (NRSV 11:3-4)
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. (KJV 11:3-4)
This is a head-scratcher. But Ecclesiastes seems to be saying that when something is ready to happen—like the rain falling—it happens. And when something has already happened—like a tree falling—you can't turn it back to the way it was before. So buckle down, stop worrying about clouds and the wind, and do the work you need to do.
Quote #5
Even those who live many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Banish anxiety from your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. (NRSV 11:8-10)
But if 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 cometh is vanity. 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: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. (KJV 11:8-10)
This is another pretty straightforward statement. Yeah, time is still going to cause you to grow old and die. But don't stop getting lunch over it. In fact, rejoice while you still can.