Translations
Modern
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,”
Traditional
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;
Literal
And remember your Creator in the days of your youth, while the days of evil have not come, and the years have drawn near when you say, “No delight for me is in them!”
Latin
Memento Creatoris tui in diebus juventutis tuæ, antequam veniat tempus afflictionis, et appropinquent anni de quibus dicas: Non mihi placent;
Original
Hebrew
English
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,”
Notes
Remember your Creator: Reverence for God can provide wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) and guidance on what is beneficial in life and pleasing to God at judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). It is better to remember God when young, as wisdom can greatly impact life's outcomes.
This beautiful prose poem, rich with Hebrew metaphors, describes the painful decline that comes with aging. It continues from Ecclesiastes 11:7–10.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Topics
Children: Commandments To Children: should Remember God Clubbing God: Creator of Man Instruction: from the Study of Human Nature Old Age: General Scriptures Concerning Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Present the Best Time Remembering Select Readings: Old Age