Ecclesiastes 3:1–15

The Mystery of Time

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