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Ecclesiastes 12

World English Bible

WEB

1Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them;” 2Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain; 3in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows are darkened, 4and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; 5yes, they shall be afraid of heights, and terrors will be on the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goes to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets; 6before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. 8“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All is vanity!” 9Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. 11The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Ecclesiastes Chapter 12 serves as a poignant conclusion to the reflections of the Preacher, emphasizing the importance of remembering God in the days of youth. The chapter begins with a call to “remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1), highlighting the significance of establishing a relationship with God early in life. This reminder is crucial as the Preacher describes the inevitable decline of physical strength and vitality that comes with aging, using vivid imagery to illustrate the frailty of life. The metaphors of the “keepers of the house” and “strong men” symbolize the body’s deterioration, urging readers to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly existence and the importance of spiritual preparation before the “evil days” come (Ecclesiastes 12:2-5).

The chapter culminates in a profound reflection on the purpose of life, stating that “the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This encapsulates the essence of the Preacher’s wisdom, emphasizing that despite the vanity and uncertainties of life, a reverent relationship with God provides meaning and direction. The final verse serves as a sobering reminder of divine judgment, affirming that God will bring every deed into account, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Thus, Ecclesiastes 12 encourages believers to live with purpose, grounded in faith, and to cherish their relationship with the Creator throughout all stages of life. #Ecclesiastes #Wisdom #Youth #FearOfGod

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