11:7–10 · The second subunit presents Qoheleth’s final commendation of joyful living, although the typical reference to eating and drinking is lacking here. The subunit begins by affirming that it is good to be alive (11:7, literally “to see the sun”; cf. 6:5). We should enjoy the light of each day God grants us, not knowing how many we will have and keeping in mind the many dark and meaningless days to follow (11:8). The reference here is to our death, as in 6:4, rather than to difficulties during life, as in Ecclesiastes 5:17. Such unencumbered happiness is clearly more attainable when one is young and vigorous. Therefore, the author encourages the young to “follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see” (11:9). This sounds like aimless self-indulgence, which disturbed rabbin…