Why should people remember their Creator before old age arrives?

The Preacher tells the listener to remember the Creator in youth, before difficult years arrive. He describes darkened lights, trembling keepers of a house, weak strong men, few grinders, dark windows, and closed doors. Sounds grow faint, and fears increase. Challoner explains these figures as images of the senses and powers weakening in old age.

The listener is approaching an eternal home, while mourners walk in the streets. A silver cord breaks, a golden fillet shrinks, a pitcher is crushed at a fountain, and a wheel breaks at a cistern. Dust returns to the earth, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. The Preacher repeats that all is vanity.

The closing account says that the wise Preacher taught the people and composed many parables. He sought useful words and wrote upright words of truth. Wise sayings are compared with goads and firmly fixed nails, given by one shepherd. The listener is also warned that making books has no end and much study wearies the body.

The conclusion is to fear God and keep his commandments. Challoner explains the words about this being all of a person as the person’s whole business and duty. God will bring every matter to judgment, whether good or evil. The edition uses the word error in the final verse; Challoner explains it as every hidden or secret thing.