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Yes, even if a man lives many years, in all of them let him find joy, but let him keep in mind the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything that is to come is vapor.

Advice to the Young

Young man, be happy while you are a child, and let your heart make you glad during the days of your youth. Walk down the roads on which your heart leads you and on the way your eyes see—but know that for all these, God will bring you into judgment.

10 Put frustration out of your mind, and ignore the troubles of your body, because youth and the dawn of life are vapor.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 11:10 Or because both youth and the coming darkness are vapor

However many years anyone may live,
    let them enjoy them all.
But let them remember(A) the days of darkness,
    for there will be many.
    Everything to come is meaningless.

You who are young, be happy while you are young,
    and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
    and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
    God will bring you into judgment.(B)
10 So then, banish anxiety(C) from your heart
    and cast off the troubles of your body,
    for youth and vigor are meaningless.(D)

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