Ecclesiastes 12

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come …” (v1). In this context, the “evil days” are the end of life, when the Preacher says that all opportunities will be over. He describes a quiet, deserted village where “the doors on the street are shut” (v4), work has ceased, and “man is going to his eternal home” (v5). Facing our eventual death means that we live now with purpose, because the days are short, and humility, because only God knows the future.

“Fear God and keep His commandments …” (v13). When our lives are rooted in the Life-giver, everything is different. We can work without striving and leave the future to Him.