The first 8 verses of the 12th chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes contains an admonition to “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”
Youth is a time of joy, vitality and physical prosperity. The days of the young are the halcyon (idyllically happy and peaceful) days of our lives. They are also the days where decisions can be made and actions can be taken that can make one’s older years a time of unhappiness and loss. Now is the time to turn to God.
As a part of the chapter, a description is given of old age. Those who have lived for decades will be able to relate. For example, verses 1 and 2 speak of evil and dark days without pleasure. With age comes wisdom, but also with a realization of the flawed nature of our earthly existence. We are weighed down by the burdens of life, our lives include the drudgery of heavy responsibilities and the cares of life. These are things of which the young are blissfully unaware.
And then, physical frailty rears its head. Verses 3 through 7 describe many of the physical challenges of old age. “The keepers of the house tremble” (3) has reference to the palsies and limitations of the arms and hands which afflict the old. “The strong men (legs and knees) bow down”, and “the grinders (teeth) cease because they are few” (3). “Those that look through the windows (eyes) grow dim” (3). Verse 4 refers to the fact that “one rises up at the sound of a bird” due to the aches and pains which make sleep difficult, and “all the daughters of music are brought low” because of the diminished hearing of the aged. The aged are afraid of heights, as they no longer trust their bodies (5). The almond blossoms (white hair), grasshopper (shriveled bodies), and desire fails (5). The reality of death and the occasion of mourning give pause (5).
So, the young must remember God now! (6). Some even attribute “the silver cord” (spine); “golden bowl” (skull); “pitcher” at the fountain (vitality) and the “wheel” (heart); to parts of the body that decay as we near the day of our death (6).
When death comes, “the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (7). Every life ends in death, and this will continue until Christ comes again. Serving God while young will bring joy and meaning to the entirety of one’s life. Mistakes made while young can lead to consequences that will make our lives much harder. Regardless, a life that is lived without God has no value. “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity” (8). Now is the time to turn and submit to God!
