So remember your Creator in the days of your youth -- before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";

For you write down bitter things against me and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth.

Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts! Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O Lord!

Since all these things are to melt away in this manner, what sort of people must we be, conducting our lives in holiness and godliness,

Sorrow

Yes, we are consumed by your anger; we are terrified by your wrath.

And put

His bones were full of his youthful vigor, but that vigor will lie down with him in the dust.

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God.

But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

For

"Futile! Futile!" laments the Teacher, "Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!"

Look, you make my days short-lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

General references

"Futile! Futile!" laments the Teacher, "Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!"