NOTES for Ecc 12:1-3

Actually, it would be good to remember the Creator not only in the days of youth, but also in those days and years which are rightly called difficult. These are the days of old age, described through an image of the body's breaking down: those who guard the house are trembling hands, the grinders, of whom few are left, are teeth... But when troubles come, people remember the Creator more often, according to the principle "until thunder breaks, the man will not cross himself," though one ought to remember Him independently of troubles, and all the more in their absence. That is why Ecclesiastes turns to the young man, full of strength and hope, because standing before God is necessary for youth as well. And beyond that, finding true faith in youth is especially beautiful.

Ecclesiastes formulates the essence of everything, and it is far from the repetition of reflections about everything being vanity that can cast some readers into depression. If everything for a person consists in the fear of God and the keeping of His commandments, then this everything gives meaning to our existence. And if God will bring every deed into judgment, then our deeds are not meaningless already because they should be related to His will. Therefore not everything in the world He created is vanity of vanities.