Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
    and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
    and the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns(A) to the ground it came from,
    and the spirit returns to God(B) who gave it.(C)

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.[a](D)
    “Everything is meaningless!(E)

The Conclusion of the Matter

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.(F) 10 The Teacher(G) searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.(H)

11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails(I)—given by one shepherd.[b] 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.(J)

13 Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God(K) and keep his commandments,(L)
    for this is the duty of all mankind.(M)
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,(N)
    including every hidden thing,(O)
    whether it is good or evil.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:8 Or the leader of the assembly; also in verses 9 and 10
  2. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or Shepherd

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