Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:2

The Message

⁹ You who are young, make the most of your youth.
Relish your youthful vigor.
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.

¹⁰ Live footloose and fancy-free—
You won’t be young forever.
Youth lasts about as long as smoke.
12 ^1-2 Honor and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young,
Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,
Before your vision dims and the world blurs
And the winter years keep you close to the fire.