Ecclesiastes 11:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He who regards those he favors and withholds assistance from all who request it often neglects the deserving giver. Conversely, one who shares the message of God only when the audience is receptive and the preacher is held in high regard demonstrates negligence as a sower and laziness as a farmer. Even amidst seemingly favorable conditions, challenging circumstances can arise unexpectedly. The word of God must be proclaimed in both favorable and unfavorable moments, as it is written: "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). During times of faith, we should not be swayed by the tumult of dark clouds, for as stated in Proverbs: “As the rain is not useful, so he who forsakes the law praises wickedness” (Proverbs 28:3-4).

Many are eager to predict what will be sent from above, yet those who gaze at the skies and anticipate the breeze neglect the planting and gathering of bread, depending on trivial matters and remaining ignorant of what God has in store, much like one who cannot foresee the outcome of a woman's pregnancy.

He who anticipates what lies ahead and has already ascended in his mind turns his thoughts back. Solomon aptly describes him: “He who watches over the wind shall not sow, and he who looks in the clouds shall not reap.” The "wind" symbolizes the malevolent spirit that weighs down the soul with temptations, while the "cloud" represents the sinner who is drawn towards sin. Thus, anyone who focuses on the wind does not plant, and anyone who gazes at the clouds does not harvest; for those who are troubled by the temptations of the evil spirit and who observe the downfall of the wicked become despondent in their own hearts. As a result, they fail to execute good deeds and ultimately will not receive the righteous reward.

Do not allow an excess of wisdom to become a burden to your spirit or serve as a barrier to your vision. Instead, place your faith in God and boldly embark on a journey marked by trials and sacrifices, so that you may not continually feel lacking in your understanding of the Lord. For the one who is afraid and waits for favorable conditions will miss the opportunity to reap.

One should always strive to perform good deeds, even when there is little expectation of reward; often, after a significant duration, such acts may bring their own blessings. We ought to extend kindness to as many individuals as we can, for in sudden adversity, even a single person from among many can come to our aid. To achieve a joyful outcome, one requires both favorable conditions set by God and human effort—sowing good works. There are indeed situations where the connection between cause and effect is evident to humankind, such as when saturated clouds release rain upon the earth or when a tree is found where it has fallen. However, there are also mysteries that are beyond human comprehension, like the paths of the wind or the formation of bones within a mother’s womb.