Ecclesiastes 12

The Twilight of Life

1 So remember your Creator in the days of your youth: Before the days of adversity come, and the years approach when you will say, "I have no delight in them";
2 before the sun and the light are darkened, and the moon and the stars, and the clouds return aftera the rain;
5 Also, they are afraid of heights and dangers on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring,b and the caper berry has no effect; for man is headed to his eternal home, and mourners will walk around in the street;
6 before the silver cord is snapped,c and the golden bowl is broken, and the jar is shattered at the spring, and the wheel is broken into the well;
7 and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.d
8 "Absolute futility," says the Teacher. "Everything is futile."

The Teacher's Objectives and Conclusion

10 The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.
13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear Godf and keep His commands, because this [is for] all humanity.
14 For God will bring every act to judgment,g including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.