Ecclesiastes 12:6–14

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,

and the golden bowl is broken;

before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,

and the wheel broken at the well,

7 and the dust returnsg to the ground it came from,

and the spirit returns to Godh who gave it.i

8 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.a j

“Everything is meaningless!k”

The Conclusion of the Matter

9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.l 10 The Teacherm searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.n

11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nailso—given by one shepherd.b 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.p

13 Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear Godq and keep his commandments,r

for this is the duty of all mankind.s

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,t

including every hidden thing,u

whether it is good or evil.