Ecclesiastes 11:8-10

The Message

Before the Years Take Their Toll

^7-8Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be many dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.

⁹You who are young, make the most of your youth.
Relish your youthful vigor.
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.

¹⁰Live footloose and fancy-free—
You won’t be young forever.
Youth lasts about as long as smoke.

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