Quotes About Reflection

All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.

I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile.

Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

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,”

before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is darkened, and the clouds return after the rain,

on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly,

when the doors to the street are shut and the sound of the mill fades away, when one rises at the sound of a bird and all the daughters of song grow faint,

when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels—for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.

Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is crushed, before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel is broken at the well,

“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile!”

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.

The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth.

And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.

Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted.

When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts?

For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—

“And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard.

I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied.

Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine.

So mankind will be brought low, and each man humbled; the arrogant will lower their eyes.

Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,

“In that day the splendor of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away,