| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | NET Bible |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1So 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"; |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2before the sun and the light of the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds disappear after the rain; |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3when 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, |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4and 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, |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5and 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-- |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6before 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-- |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life's breath returns to God who gave it. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8"Absolutely futile!" laments the Teacher, "All of these things are futile!" |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught knowledge to the people; he carefully evaluated and arranged many proverbs. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10The Teacher sought to find delightful words, and to write accurately truthful sayings. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11The words of the sages are like prods, and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12Be 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. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14For God will evaluate every deed, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. |
|
    |