Live Responsibly Before God during Your Youth Because Old
Age and Death Come Quickly
12:1 So remember1
your Creator in the days of your youth—
before2
the difficult3
days come,
and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;
12:2 before the sun and the light4
of the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds disappear5
after the rain;
12:3 when those who have watch over the house6
begin to tremble in fear,7
and the virile men begin to stoop over;8
and the grinders9
begin to cease because they grow few,
and those who look through the windows grow dim.10
12:4 and the doors along the street are shut;
when the sound of the grinding-mill11
grows low,
and one is awakened12
in the middle of the night by the sound of a bird,
and all their songs13
grow faint,14
12:5 and they are afraid of heights and the dangers15
in the street;
the almond-blossoms16
grow white,17
and the grasshopper18
drags itself along,19
and the caper-berry20
shrivels up21—
because man goes to his eternal home,22
and the mourners go about in the streets—
12:6 before the silver cord is removed,
or the golden bowl is broken,
or the pitcher is shattered at the well,23
or the water-wheel24
is broken at the cistern—
12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Thesis Restated: Futility of Human Secular Achievements
12:8 “Absolutely futile!”25
laments the Teacher,26
“All of these things27
are futile!”28
Concluding Admonition: Fear God and Obey His Commandments
12:9 Not only was Qoheleth wise,29
but he also taught knowledge to the people;
he carefully evaluated30
and arranged31
many proverbs.
12:10 Qoheleth sought to find delightful32
words,
and to accurately write33
truthful sayings.34
12:11 The words of the sages are like prods,35
and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails;
they are given by one shepherd.
12:12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition
to them.36
there is no end to the making37
of books,
and much study is wearisome to the body.38
12:13 The end of the matter, having heard everything:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.39
12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
concerning every secret thing, whether good or evil.