Remember - your Creator in the days of your youth , before - - the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say , “ I find no pleasure
before - - the light of the sun , moon , and stars is darkened , and the clouds return after the rain ,
on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop , when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly ,
when the doors to the street are shut and the sound of the mill fades away , when one rises at the sound of a bird and all the daughters of song grow faint ,
(when) (men) fear the heights and dangers of the road , when the almond tree blossoms , the grasshopper loses its spring , and the caper berry shrivels — for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.
(Remember Him) before - - the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is crushed , (before) the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel is broken at the well ,
(before) the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
“ Futility of futilities , ” says the Teacher. “ Everything is futile ! ”
Not only was the Teacher wise , but he also taught the people knowledge ; - he pondered , searched out , and arranged many proverbs.
The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of tRuth -.
The words of the wise are like goads , and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.
my son , {be} further warned : There is no end to the making of many books , and much study wearies the body.
When all has been heard , - the conclusion of the matter (is this) : Fear God and keep His commandments , because this is the whole (duty) of man.
For - God will bring every deed into judgment , along with every hidden thing , whether good or evil.