Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”;

“For You write bitter things against me
And make me to inherit the iniquities of my youth.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

According to Your lovingkindness remember me,

For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Sorrow

For we have been consumed by Your anger
And by Your wrath we have been dismayed.

And put

“His bones are full of his youthful vigor,
But it lies down with him in the dust.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

For

“

Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,

“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

“Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.

Selah.

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

General references

“

Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,

“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”