Ecclesiastes 12 good news bible

Here is Ecclesiastes 12 in the Good News Bible (GNB):

Ecclesiastes 12

1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years draw near when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them."

2 Remember before the silver cord is snapped, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel is broken at the well.

3 Remember before the door to the house is shut, and the sound of the mill is muffled, and the birds of the sky have flown away.

4 Remember how the flowers of the field bloom; they will soon wither and fade.

5 Remember how the grass of the field is green; it will soon wither and fade.

6 Remember how you were made, and that you will return to dust.

7 "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years draw near when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them.'"

8 The words of the Teacher are like a stream of wisdom, a river of insight.

9 The Teacher says, "The words of the wise are like a stream of wisdom, a river of insight. They are like a stream that flows smoothly and quietly to the sea.

10 But the words of the wise are like a stream that flows smoothly and quietly to the sea, and they will never be forgotten.

11 The words of the wise are like a stream that flows smoothly and quietly to the sea, and they will never be forgotten, because they are written in the hearts of the wise.

12 And so, my son, remember the words of the Teacher and keep them in your heart, for they are a gift from God.

13 Fear God and respect the king, and you will have a long and peaceful life.

14 The words of the Teacher are like a stream of wisdom, a river of insight. They are like a stream that flows smoothly and quietly to the sea.

15 Be wise, my son, and make the most of your youth, and do not let your heart be filled with foolishness.

16 Follow the ways of your heart and the things that are most pleasing to your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

17 So, my son, be wise and make the most of your youth, and do not let your heart be filled with foolishness.