Remember Your Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1-14)
Life goes by quickly. That’s something the book of Ecclesiastes helps us see clearly. In chapter 12, the writer—often thought to be King Solomon—shares his final thoughts about life, aging, and what really matters in the end.
Start with God While You’re Young
The chapter opens with a simple but powerful reminder: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” This means don’t wait until you’re older or when life gets hard to think about God. Start now—when you have strength, energy, and time. Building a relationship with God early helps you stay strong even when tough times come.
A Poetic Description of Growing Old
The next few verses paint a beautiful and sad picture of getting older. Solomon doesn’t just say, “You’ll get old.” Instead, he describes it with images:
- Arms and legs tremble.
- Teeth fall out.
- Eyes grow dim.
- Sounds become faint.
- Sleep becomes restless.
It’s his way of saying: life changes as we age, and our bodies slow down. These verses remind us that we won’t live forever, so we should use our time wisely.
Life Is Short, but God Is Forever
One key line says that the body returns to the dust, and the spirit returns to God. This means when we die, our physical bodies fade away, but our soul—who we truly are—goes back to the One who made us. We don’t take anything with us, but we do face God.
True Wisdom Comes from God
Solomon was known for his wisdom, and in these verses, he says he tried to teach what is true and helpful. He warns that not all knowledge is good or useful. There are endless books and ideas, but the best wisdom comes from God. Wisdom should guide us like a shepherd leads sheep—helping us stay safe and on the right path.
The Final Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commands
After exploring so many ideas about life, Solomon ends with a clear message: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all people.”
To “fear God” doesn’t mean to be scared. It means to respect and honor Him deeply. We should live in a way that shows we know God sees everything. Even things done in secret will one day be brought to light. God will judge our actions—both good and bad.
Final Thoughts
Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us that life is short, and we don’t control how long we have. But we can choose how we live each day. Start with God. Walk with Him as you grow. Honor Him in everything you do. That’s the kind of life that truly matters.
Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 (WEB)
12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,before the evil days come, and the years draw near,when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them;”2 Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened,and the clouds return after the rain;3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble,and the strong men shall bow themselves,and the grinders cease because they are few,and those who look out of the windows are darkened,4 and the doors shall be shut in the street;when the sound of the grinding is low,and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird,and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;5 yes, they shall be afraid of heights,and terrors will be on the way;and the almond tree shall blossom,and the grasshopper shall be a burden,and desire shall fail;because man goes to his everlasting home,and the mourners go about the streets;6 before the silver cord is severed,or the golden bowl is broken,or the pitcher is broken at the spring,or the wheel broken at the cistern,7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was,and the spirit returns to God who gave it.8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher.“All is vanity!”9 Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.