Ecclesiastes 3:1–13

The Mystery of Time

3There is an occasion for everything,

and a time for every activity under heaven: ^z

²a time to give birth and a time to die; ^a

a time to plant and a time to uproot; ^b

³a time to kill and a time to heal;

a time to tear down and a time to build;

⁴a time to weep and a time to laugh; ^c

a time to mourn and a time to dance; ^d

⁵a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; ^e

a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; ^f

⁶a time to search and a time to count as lost;

a time to keep and a time to throw away;

⁷a time to tear and a time to sew;

a time to be silent and a time to speak; ^g

⁸a time to love and a time to hate;

a time for war and a time for peace. ^h

⁹What does the worker gain from his struggles? ⁱ¹⁰I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied. ^j11He has made everything appropriate ^kin its time. ^lHe has also put eternity in their hearts, ^mbut man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. ⁿ¹²I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the ^ogood life. ¹³It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. ^p