Ecclesiastes 3:1–15
3 There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven: z
2 a time to give birth and a time to die; a
a time to plant and a time to uproot; b
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh; c
a time to mourn and a time to dance; d
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; e
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; f
6 a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak; g
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace. h
9 What does the worker gain from his struggles? i 10 I have seen the task that God has given * people to keep them occupied. j 11 He has made everything appropriate k in its time. l He has also put eternity in their hearts, m but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. n 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the o good life. 13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. p 14 I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. q God works so that people will be in awe of Him. r 15 Whatever is, has already been, s and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed. t