More Advice to Young People
What happens to the spirit when one dies
The encouraging solution for us all
The final chapter begins with a continuation of advice directed to the young. They are told to remember God in their youth before difficult days come in which there will be found little pleasure. Solomon talks about the weakening of our body and mind as we get older. Old age is a certainty for those who live a normal life span.
Again, we will see Solomon describes life as vanity without one important thing which we will see as we conclude the message. He brings us to a great conclusion. He gives us our whole purpose in living. When one finds that truth, one’s life will radiate joy, peace, and contentment. We will be led to understand that we are the creation of a majestic God who loves us and desires a close intimate relationship with us. What a mighty God we indeed serve
I. One more time for the kids sake
(Ecclesiastes12:1-7) Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor 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 that look out of the windows be darkened, 4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
A. REMEMBER GOD IN YOUR YOUTH (vs. 1-2)
1. Difficult days will come.
2. Joy of youth will fade into the sorrow of old age.
3. Worries of life increase as you get older, stop, and enjoy today.
4. You will have memories of today, but you will not relive today.
B. Consider what is yet to come (vs. 3-7)
1. The day is coming in which:
a. The body weakens.
b. The mind begins to fail you.
c. Eyes begin to lose their brightness – sight is dimed.
d. Hearing betrays you.
e. Sleep fades quickly
f. The sound of the grinding is low (the mouth and speech
become unintelligible)
G. Fleshly desires fade away.
H. Death and eternity await. – The body goes to dust and the spirit goes to God.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
- Remember your Creator before:
a. You leave the care of mother and father.
b. Before the heartache of sin shatters your life.
c. Before the body decays and there is not remembrance of Godly things.
II. Conclusion (verses 12:8-14)
A. THE Truth restated (8-12) 8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
1. The grand theme restated: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity…”
2. The Preacher’s ongoing work (because he was wise)
a. He continued to teach others until his death.
b. He imparted words of wisdom and truth to others, especially to the young
3. The value of such words of truth a. The words of the wise are sweeter than honey.
