NOTES for Ecc 12:1-3

In fact, it would be good to remember the Creator not only in the days of youth, but also in those days and years that are rightly called difficult. These are the days of old age, described through the figurative picture of the body's decay: the keepers of the house are trembling hands, the grinders, of whom few remain, are the teeth... But when troubles come, the Creator is remembered more often, according to the Russian proverb that “until thunder strikes, the peasant does not cross himself.” Yet one ought to remember Him independently of troubles, and all the more in their absence. That is why Ecclesiastes addresses a young man full of strength and hope: standing before God is necessary in youth as well. Moreover, finding genuine faith in youth is beautiful in a special way.

Ecclesiastes formulates the essence of everything, and it is far removed from the repeated reflections that “all is vanity,” which can cast some readers into depression. If “the whole duty of man” consists in fearing God and keeping His commandments, then this is precisely what gives meaning to our existence. And if God will bring every deed into judgment, our deeds are not meaningless, if only because they must be measured against His will. Therefore, not everything in the world He created is vanity of vanities.