Ecclesiastes 12 Commentary: Remember Now Your Creator
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;
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
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,
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;
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:
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.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
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.
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
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.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Ecclesiastes 12 offers a powerful and poignant conclusion to Solomon's exploration of life "under the sun." It's a call to embrace a God-centered perspective, particularly in our youth, before the inevitable challenges of aging and mortality overshadow our days. This chapter serves as a reminder that true meaning and purpose are found not in fleeting earthly pursuits, but in a relationship with our Creator. This is especially relevant for readers seeking to understand Ecclesiastes 12.
The Urgency of Remembering God (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Ecclesiastes 12:1 emphasizes the importance of remembering our Creator in the days of our youth. "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come." This isn't merely a suggestion, but a crucial piece of wisdom for navigating life's complexities. Solomon urges us to establish a relationship with God early, grounding our lives in His wisdom and guidance. Think of it as planting seeds of God-consciousness in fertile soil. When we are young, our minds are more open, our hearts more receptive. Starting early allows God's perspective to shape our worldview, influencing our choices and providing a solid foundation for the future. Because the days of adversity are coming. In other words, old age and its frustrations are approaching all of us.
The Metaphors of Aging (Ecclesiastes 12:2-6)
Solomon employs vivid metaphors to paint a picture of aging and the gradual decline of physical and mental capabilities. Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 uses imagery like "the sun and the light are darkened," "strong men stoop," "the sound of the mill fades," and "the silver cord is snapped" to describe the weakening of the body and senses. These are not meant to be morbid, but rather realistic. They highlight the temporary nature of our physical strength and the importance of focusing on what truly endures. He’s talking about the body’s operating systems breaking down. Given enough time, the aging process will take away your vigor and vitality. Sickness and weariness will become routine. Bones turn brittle; hands tremble; muscles weaken; disease invades. Therefore, before the gloom of old age sets in, make God’s viewpoint your own. While you still have strength, remember your Creator. Adopt a God-perspective. If while you’re young you’re always “dying to do this” and “dying to do that,” one day you’ll be old and discover that you’re just dying.
The Return to Dust and the Futility of Life "Under the Sun" (Ecclesiastes 12:7-8)
Ecclesiastes 12:7 poignantly reminds us, "the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." This verse underscores the temporary nature of our earthly existence. We began as dust, and we return to dust (see Genesis 2:7).
Solomon concludes, echoing his opening statement, "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes 12:8). This isn't a statement of despair, but a recognition that life lived solely for earthly pleasures and achievements ultimately lacks lasting significance. While you can find some occasional enjoyment in it, it’s mixed with disappointment. So if this is all you have to look forward to, it’s empty. There’s no ultimate meaning in it. To find true meaning, you have to bring God to bear on your life and let him bring perspective and higher purpose into this emptiness.
The Value of Wisdom and the Shepherd's Voice (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11)
Solomon, as a teacher of wisdom, diligently sought to impart knowledge to the people. Ecclesiastes 12:9 states, "Solomon taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs." He carefully crafted his proverbs, ensuring they were both insightful and accessible (Ecclesiastes 12:10). God graciously gave Solomon wisdom so that he might teach us, and Solomon composed this wisdom into delightful sayings. His descriptions and illustrations are vital because they grab our attention, help us understand truth, and emphasize its relevance to our lives. (Preachers, take note!) He communicates in such a way that readers can’t miss his points.
These wise sayings are like "goads" or "firmly embedded nails" (Ecclesiastes 12:11), prompting us to reflection and guiding us towards wise choices. Ultimately, the source of this wisdom is "one Shepherd" (Ecclesiastes 12:11), a reference to God, who uses these teachings to shape our hearts and minds. The Lord Jesus Christ works through them to prick our consciences and apply them to our hearts.
The Limits of Study and the Importance of Choice (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Ecclesiastes 12:12 offers a cautionary note: "Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." While learning and studying are valuable, we must be discerning about the sources we consult and avoid becoming consumed by endless pursuit of knowledge. There is no end to the making of many books, so while we should read what God has given us through Solomon and other biblical writers, we should also study other good books faithfully based on Scripture too. There’s a seemingly endless supply of resources based on this one book. That’s because the Bible is so deep that theologians can’t touch the bottom, but it’s so shallow that babies won’t drown. Nevertheless, we must remember that much study wearies the body. There comes a time when you must put down the books and choose wisely.
The Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Solomon brings his exploration to a powerful conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
This is the essence of a life well-lived. "Fear God" signifies reverence, respect, and a recognition of His authority. "Keep his commandments" means living in obedience to His will, aligning our actions with His moral standards. This truth applies to everyone. You are not an exception. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Ultimately, our actions have consequences, and we will be held accountable for them. Therefore, we should strive to live lives that are pleasing to God, seeking His guidance and living in accordance with His teachings.
Life isn’t over when it’s over. The actions of humanity—good and evil—are all on tape. And while you can’t erase what’s on your tape, you can create new and better footage. As long as you draw breath, the recorder is still running. Therefore, don’t waste your days. Take God seriously and conform your will to his. Maximize the time God has given you, enjoy the legitimate pleasures he provides, and thank him in both good times and bad. Seek his divine perspective for your day-to-day decisions and make your life count toward the fulfillment of his kingdom agenda.
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;
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
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,
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;
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:
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.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
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.
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
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.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Ecclesiastes 12 offers a powerful and poignant conclusion to Solomon's exploration of life "under the sun." It's a call to embrace a God-centered perspective, particularly in our youth, before the inevitable challenges of aging and mortality overshadow our days. This chapter serves as a reminder that true meaning and purpose are found not in fleeting earthly pursuits, but in a relationship with our Creator. This is especially relevant for readers seeking to understand Ecclesiastes 12.
The Urgency of Remembering God (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Ecclesiastes 12:1 emphasizes the importance of remembering our Creator in the days of our youth. "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come." This isn't merely a suggestion, but a crucial piece of wisdom for navigating life's complexities. Solomon urges us to establish a relationship with God early, grounding our lives in His wisdom and guidance. Think of it as planting seeds of God-consciousness in fertile soil. When we are young, our minds are more open, our hearts more receptive. Starting early allows God's perspective to shape our worldview, influencing our choices and providing a solid foundation for the future. Because the days of adversity are coming. In other words, old age and its frustrations are approaching all of us.
The Metaphors of Aging (Ecclesiastes 12:2-6)
Solomon employs vivid metaphors to paint a picture of aging and the gradual decline of physical and mental capabilities. Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 uses imagery like "the sun and the light are darkened," "strong men stoop," "the sound of the mill fades," and "the silver cord is snapped" to describe the weakening of the body and senses. These are not meant to be morbid, but rather realistic. They highlight the temporary nature of our physical strength and the importance of focusing on what truly endures. He’s talking about the body’s operating systems breaking down. Given enough time, the aging process will take away your vigor and vitality. Sickness and weariness will become routine. Bones turn brittle; hands tremble; muscles weaken; disease invades. Therefore, before the gloom of old age sets in, make God’s viewpoint your own. While you still have strength, remember your Creator. Adopt a God-perspective. If while you’re young you’re always “dying to do this” and “dying to do that,” one day you’ll be old and discover that you’re just dying.
The Return to Dust and the Futility of Life "Under the Sun" (Ecclesiastes 12:7-8)
Ecclesiastes 12:7 poignantly reminds us, "the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." This verse underscores the temporary nature of our earthly existence. We began as dust, and we return to dust (see Genesis 2:7).
Solomon concludes, echoing his opening statement, "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes 12:8). This isn't a statement of despair, but a recognition that life lived solely for earthly pleasures and achievements ultimately lacks lasting significance. While you can find some occasional enjoyment in it, it’s mixed with disappointment. So if this is all you have to look forward to, it’s empty. There’s no ultimate meaning in it. To find true meaning, you have to bring God to bear on your life and let him bring perspective and higher purpose into this emptiness.
The Value of Wisdom and the Shepherd's Voice (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11)
Solomon, as a teacher of wisdom, diligently sought to impart knowledge to the people. Ecclesiastes 12:9 states, "Solomon taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs." He carefully crafted his proverbs, ensuring they were both insightful and accessible (Ecclesiastes 12:10). God graciously gave Solomon wisdom so that he might teach us, and Solomon composed this wisdom into delightful sayings. His descriptions and illustrations are vital because they grab our attention, help us understand truth, and emphasize its relevance to our lives. (Preachers, take note!) He communicates in such a way that readers can’t miss his points.
These wise sayings are like "goads" or "firmly embedded nails" (Ecclesiastes 12:11), prompting us to reflection and guiding us towards wise choices. Ultimately, the source of this wisdom is "one Shepherd" (Ecclesiastes 12:11), a reference to God, who uses these teachings to shape our hearts and minds. The Lord Jesus Christ works through them to prick our consciences and apply them to our hearts.
The Limits of Study and the Importance of Choice (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Ecclesiastes 12:12 offers a cautionary note: "Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." While learning and studying are valuable, we must be discerning about the sources we consult and avoid becoming consumed by endless pursuit of knowledge. There is no end to the making of many books, so while we should read what God has given us through Solomon and other biblical writers, we should also study other good books faithfully based on Scripture too. There’s a seemingly endless supply of resources based on this one book. That’s because the Bible is so deep that theologians can’t touch the bottom, but it’s so shallow that babies won’t drown. Nevertheless, we must remember that much study wearies the body. There comes a time when you must put down the books and choose wisely.
The Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Solomon brings his exploration to a powerful conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
This is the essence of a life well-lived. "Fear God" signifies reverence, respect, and a recognition of His authority. "Keep his commandments" means living in obedience to His will, aligning our actions with His moral standards. This truth applies to everyone. You are not an exception. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Ultimately, our actions have consequences, and we will be held accountable for them. Therefore, we should strive to live lives that are pleasing to God, seeking His guidance and living in accordance with His teachings.
Life isn’t over when it’s over. The actions of humanity—good and evil—are all on tape. And while you can’t erase what’s on your tape, you can create new and better footage. As long as you draw breath, the recorder is still running. Therefore, don’t waste your days. Take God seriously and conform your will to his. Maximize the time God has given you, enjoy the legitimate pleasures he provides, and thank him in both good times and bad. Seek his divine perspective for your day-to-day decisions and make your life count toward the fulfillment of his kingdom agenda.