Ecclesiastes 12:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is important to revere God in your youth, before surrendering to sin, prior to the arrival of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

The anticipated return of the Lord and the culmination of the world were prophesied by Ecclesiastes, who proclaims, ‘Rejoice, young man, in your youth,’ and continues, ‘Remove sorrow from your heart, and turn away evil from your body (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10). And remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, until the difficult days come (Ecclesiastes 12:1); until the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened, and those who look through the windows grow dim (Ecclesiastes 12:2-3), indicating the diminishing power of perception; until the silver cord is loosed (Ecclesiastes 12:6)

When adversity strikes and hardship prevails, there may be extended periods devoid of joy. Suffering punishment is not something anyone seeks. Conversely, when years of anticipated blessings arrive, the virtuous delight in their ongoing presence; they strive to attain the good that has been promised. In contrast, those who live only for sensual pleasures find no joy during times of scarcity, instead relishing the moments of abundance. Therefore, it is evident that the delight of the righteous can also be found during times of divine discipline.

Let humanity savor the joys of existence, particularly during the vigor of youth, until the arrival of old age and death; yet, this enjoyment should be tempered with the understanding that God, the Creator, will summon him to account for his deeds. Therefore, let him partake in these pleasures with reverence for the Lord, not postponing until the twilight years—a time marked by shadow and unending sorrow, when the limbs of the body may no longer function—hands, feet, teeth, lips—when fear will dominate and desires will fade. It will be necessary to prepare for the eternal abode, as the entire system becomes chaotic and life ultimately ceases, culminating in the transformation of man back to dust, as he returns his spirit to God.