12:1 | So remember* your Creator in the days of your youth – before* the difficult* days come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; |
12:2 | before the sun and the light* of the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds disappear* after the rain; |
12:3 | when those who keep watch over the house* begin to tremble,* and the virile men begin to stoop over,* and the grinders* begin to cease because they grow few, and those who look through the windows grow dim,* |
12:4 | and the doors along the street are shut; when the sound of the grinding mill* grows low, and one is awakened* by the sound of a bird, and all their* songs* grow faint,* |
12:5 | and they are afraid of heights and the dangers* in the street; the almond blossoms* grow white,* and the grasshopper* drags itself along,* and the caper berry* shrivels up* – because man goes to his eternal home,* 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,* or the water wheel* is broken at the cistern – |
12:7 | and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life’s breath* returns to God who gave it. |
12:8 | “Absolutely futile!”* laments the Teacher,* “All of these things* are futile!”* |
12:9 | Not only was the Teacher wise,* but he also taught knowledge to the people; he carefully evaluated* and arranged* many proverbs. |
12:10 | The Teacher sought to find delightful* words, and to write* accurately truthful sayings.* |
12:11 | The words of the sages are like prods,* 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.* There is no end to the making* of many books, and much study is exhausting to the body.* |
12:13 | Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion:* Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty* of man. |
12:14 | For God will evaluate every deed,* including every secret thing, whether good or evil. |