Ecclesiastes 12:6-14

New International Version

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^(A) to the ground it came from,
    and the spirit returns to God^(B) who gave it.^(C)

⁸“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.^[a]^(D)
“Everything is meaningless!^(E)”

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.^(F) ¹⁰The Teacher^(G) searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.^(H)

¹¹The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails^(I)—given by one shepherd.^[b] ¹²Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.^(J)

¹³Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God^(K) and keep his commandments,^(L)
    for this is the duty of all mankind.^(M)
¹⁴For God will bring every deed into judgment,^(N)
    including every hidden thing,^(O)
    whether it is good or evil.