Ecclesiastes 12:6-14

6Remember 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,

7and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

8“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. Or the leader of the assembly; also in verses 9 and 10 “Everything is meaningless!”

The Conclusion of the Matter 9Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.

10The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. Or Shepherd

12Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

13Now 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. 14For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.