Ecclesiastes - Chapter 12

Ecclesiastes 12.1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; Ecclesiastes 12.2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: Ecclesiastes 12.3 In 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 that look out of the windows be darkened, Ecclesiastes 12.4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; Ecclesiastes 12.5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: Ecclesiastes 12.6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Ecclesiastes 12.7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12.8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 12.9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. Ecclesiastes 12.10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. Ecclesiastes 12.11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. Ecclesiastes 12.12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 12.13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12.14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes : Chapter 12

Remember your Creator

Chapter 12 of Ecclesiastes concludes with a powerful call to remember the Creator. What is the essence of a life well lived? This poetic and profound text allegorically describes aging, while emphasizing the importance of seeking God from our youth. This chapter summarizes the major themes of the book: the futility of life without God and the fear of the Lord, which constitutes the true principle of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 12 invites us to adopt a life centered on God, for He is the only source of lasting meaning. We encourage you to meditate with us on five biblical passages that illustrate the fundamental lessons of this final chapter.

Psalm 71:9

"Do not cast me off in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." This psalm reflects the theme of Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, addressing the challenges of old age and the need for God's presence in our later years.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped and thoroughly prepared for every good work." This passage echoes Ecclesiastes 12:11, highlighting the value of the words of the wise and their ability to guide our lives.

Matthew 12:36

"But I say to you that every idle word people speak will be given account in the day of judgment." This warning from Jesus resonates with the truth of Ecclesiastes 12:14, emphasizing the importance of our responsibility in every word spoken.

Deuteronomy 10:12

"Now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your might and with all your soul?" This verse reflects the conclusion of Ecclesiastes 12:13, reminding us that the fear of God and keeping His commandments are essential to a meaningful life.

1 Corinthians 13:12

"So now we see only a reflection dimly, as in a mirror; but afterward we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, just as I am fully known." This passage from Paul underscores the theme of Ecclesiastes about the limits of human knowledge, contrasting with the fullness of knowledge that awaits us in eternity.

Meditating on these passages, we are called to live a meaningful life, rooted in our faith and our relationship with the Creator. May our quest for God illuminate every step we take, and may we always remember Him, today and for eternity.