Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today, we are 1 day away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:9-12:

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. — Ecclesiastes 12:9-12

These verses show Solomon’s passion as a teacher. He didn’t just live wisely—he worked to pass wisdom on. He studied, he sifted, he selected each word carefully. Not to impress, but to guide. Not to sound clever, but to offer truth.

He compares wisdom to a goad—a sharp stick used to keep animals on the right path. And also to nails—firmly fixed, anchoring truth into the soul. Good wisdom doesn’t just entertain—it moves you. It stabilizes you. It sets your course.

And Solomon says something profound here: these collected sayings were given by one Shepherd. Even though Solomon penned them, the true Author behind them is God. He’s the One trying to lead us home.

But then comes a warning. "Beware of anything beyond these."

So Solomon isn’t anti-learning. He’s not dismissing scholarship or curiosity. He’s warning us not to drown in the endless search for knowledge while missing the truth already in front of us.

Too many people spend their lives chasing new ideas but never living out the truth they already know.

There are a lot of voices out there. A lot of opinions. A lot of books. But not all words are equal. Some distract. Some deceive. But the words that come from the Shepherd? They lead us home.

#WiseWords, #ShepherdsVoice, #Ecclesiastes12

ASK THIS:

1. What truth from Scripture have I learned but still struggle to apply?
2. In what areas of life am I chasing knowledge but missing obedience?
3. How can I better recognize the voice of the Shepherd in a noisy world?
4. What’s one way I can anchor wisdom more deeply in my heart this week?

DO THIS:

Choose one piece of wisdom from Scripture today—and live it out. Don’t just read truth. Apply it.

PRAY THIS:

Father, help me to value Your wisdom above the noise of the world. Anchor my heart in Your truth and lead me home. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

The Lord Will Provide.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today, we are 2 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:8:

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.— Ecclesiastes 12:8

This is Solomon’s final conclusion. The last echo of a theme he has repeated from the very first line of Ecclesiastes to the very end: "Vanity of vanities... all is vanity."

But this isn’t just repetition—it’s the closing line of a grand experiment.

Solomon, the preacher-king, has tested everything. Wisdom. Pleasure. Work. Wealth. Achievement. He’s chased every path under the sun. He’s tasted every fruit the world has to offer. And here’s his final verdict:

It’s all smoke.

That’s the deeper meaning of the word “vanity” in Hebrew—hevel—vapor, mist, breath, smoke. Something that looks solid but slips through your fingers. It’s not meaningless, but it’s ungraspable. Fleeting. Elusive.

Solomon’s point is simple: if you build your life on anything but God, you build on smoke.

All the tests have been run. All the variables explored. And this is what the wisest man to walk the earth—besides Jesus—wants you to know:

Don’t waste your life chasing smoke.

So stop putting your hope in what won’t last. Stop assuming the next achievement, relationship, or possession will settle your soul. It won’t.

The purpose of Ecclesiastes isn’t to lead us to despair. It’s to lead us to God—the only One who isn’t a smoke show.

#VanityOfVanities, #ChasingSmoke, #WisdomFromSolomon

ASK THIS:

1. What pursuit in your life feels like chasing smoke?
2. Why is it so easy to hope in things that won’t last?
3. How does the word hevel change your view of success?
4. What would it look like to build your life solely on God?

DO THIS:

Identify one thing you’ve been chasing that won’t last—and surrender it to God today.

PRAY THIS:

God, I don’t want to waste my life chasing what won’t satisfy. Teach me to build on what is eternal—You alone. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Jesus Have It All.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today, we are 3 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:6-7:

Before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.— Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

There’s a sacred weight to these words.

Solomon doesn’t talk about death with fear—but with poetic beauty and sobering clarity. And this is especially meaningful because these are the words of an older man, written near the close of his life—someone who has tasted everything and now speaks with hard-earned wisdom. He uses four metaphors to describe life’s final moments: a snapped cord, a shattered bowl, a broken pitcher, and a ruined wheel. Each one precious, each one fragile, each one irreparable.

That’s the moment when the soul leaves the body. When dust returns to dust. And the spirit goes back to the One who breathed it into being.

This text isn’t just about dying—it’s about living in the light of eternity. It’s about recognizing that life isn’t endless here. That one day, all the activity, all the noise, all the striving will go quiet. And only what was done in relationship with God will last.

We don’t control the moment the cord snaps. But we do control how we live before it does.

That’s why remembering your Creator matters. It frames your days. It humbles your pride. It clarifies your purpose. It prepares you to return—not just to the ground—but to God.

We weren’t made to stay here. But we were made for something more.

#EternalPerspective, #BibleDevotional, #Ecclesiastes12

ASK THIS:

1. What metaphor from Ecclesiastes 12:6 speaks most deeply to you—and why?
2. How often do you think about the eternal impact of your choices?
3. What would change in your life if you lived fully aware of your mortality?
4. Are you prepared to meet the One who gave you life?

DO THIS:

Live today with the end in mind—honor your Creator in everything you do.

PRAY THIS:

God, help me to remember You in every moment, especially when life feels busy or distracting. Teach me to live with a heart that is prepared to return to You. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Feet Of Jesus + All I Need.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 4 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:4-5:

And the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— Ecclesiastes 12:4-5

Solomon continues his poetic descent through the aging process—and this time, he describes not just physical breakdown but also emotional and social decline.

The “doors on the street” are shut—perhaps the ears or even social isolation. The “sound of grinding is low”—daily activity slows to a crawl. Rising at the “sound of a bird”—sleep becomes fragile and easily disturbed. “Daughters of song are brought low”—joy is muted, and singing no longer lifts the soul as it once did.

And then the fear creeps in. Fear of falling. Fear of going out. The almond tree blossoms—white hair. The grasshopper drags along—once agile, now slow. And desire? It begins to fade. Not just sexual desire (though let’s be honest—testosterone replacement therapy is more common than ever), but also a decline in passion, motivation, and drive.

Solomon isn’t rubbing it in—he’s inviting reflection. Because the destination is clear: man goes to his eternal home.

He’s asking us: Do you really want to wait until life grows silent, slow, and sorrowful to make eternal decisions? What you still have—your energy, joy, desire, and courage—use it now. Before the mourners gather, choose the joy of the Lord.

#EternalPerspective, #ChooseJoyNow, #DailyDevotional

ASK THIS:

1. What “desire” in your life has faded over time?
2. How do you respond to fears that come with aging?
3. Are you making eternal decisions while you still have strength?
4. What does it mean for you to choose joy before the mourners gather?

DO THIS:

Reflect on one area of your life where you’ve lost desire—and ask God to reignite it with eternal purpose.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, help me see the brevity of life not as a burden but a blessing. Teach me to live each day with eternal purpose and lasting joy. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Grow.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 5 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:2-3:

Before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed— Ecclesiastes 12:2-3

Solomon shifts his tone here—what began as an invitation now becomes a slow descent into poetic realism.

He’s describing the gradual breakdown of the human body. The lights dim. Strength fades. Teeth are few. Eyesight fails. Age is creeping in.

It’s like a storm that just passed, but the clouds keep rolling back. You think it’s over—but it isn’t. The effects of time continue to accumulate, one layer at a time.

The metaphors are vivid. The “keepers of the house” tremble—your hands. The “strong men” are bent—your legs and back. The “grinders” are few—your teeth. The “windows” are dimmed—your eyes. This is what happens when we age.

Solomon isn’t being cruel—he’s being clear. This is reality. And he’s urging us to take it seriously.

The point isn’t to fear old age—it’s to respect time. To recognize that the life we have now, in all its mobility and clarity, won’t last forever. So why delay obedience? Why postpone faithfulness? Why assume you’ll always have what you have today?

If you’re still strong—use your strength. If you can still see clearly—open your eyes to truth. If you can still speak—declare God’s goodness.

The shadows of age are coming. And you who are older know what I am talking about. But you don’t have to wait for the dark to live in the light.

#LiveBeforeTheDark, #Ecclesiastes12, #DailyDevotional

ASK THIS:

1. What physical ability do you often take for granted?
2. How has age or time humbled your perspective?
3. What truth are you avoiding because you think you have time?
4. How can you use your current strength to honor God today?

DO THIS:

Use your strength, clarity, and voice today for God’s purposes—don’t delay what you were meant to do now.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, thank You for the strength and clarity I still have today. Help me not to waste it, but to honor You with urgency and obedience. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Graves Into Gardens.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 6 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:1:

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” — Ecclesiastes 12:1

There’s a temptation to put off getting serious about our faith until later in life. To assume we’ll get around to God when life slows down or after we’ve experienced all that the world has to offer. But Solomon flips that thinking on its head.

He says: "Remember your Creator"—now, not later. In the days of your youth. Not just when it is convenient or calm. Not when the pressure lets up. But while you’re young, energetic, full of possibility.

Why? Because evil days are coming. Aging is inevitable. Challenges will increase. Pain will multiply. And it becomes harder to build a foundation of faith when life begins to wear you down.

Youth is a gift, people. It's a window of opportunity. It’s a season when your heart is still moldable, your body is still able, and your mind is still open. That’s when you need to anchor yourself to the truth of who God is.

"Remember" here also doesn’t mean a fleeting thought—it means live like God is your personal Maker, Designer, and Architect. Make decisions that reflect his authority. Build habits that honor his design. Shape your values around his Word.

Because the days will come when you’ll look back and realize how vital those early decisions were. The strength you’ll need for tomorrow must be cultivated right now, today!

Don’t wait until life breaks you to bow your heart. Remember Him now—before regret writes your story.

#FaithNow, #Ecclesiastes12, #LiveAnchored

ASK THIS:

1. What does it mean to remember God in your youth?
2. Have I been delaying spiritual growth for a more "convenient" time?
3. What habits am I forming that anchor me to God's truth?
4. How do I want to look back on my youth in light of eternity?

DO THIS:

Build one spiritual habit today that reflects God's design for your life—don’t delay.

PRAY THIS:

Father, help me to remember You now while I still have strength, clarity, and opportunity. Teach me to live today in a way that honors You for a lifetime. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

I Believe.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are one week away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:9-10:

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. — Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Solomon gives a strong encouragement here: to enjoy your life. This isn’t a call to reckless living—but to a joyful one. Life is short, and the days pass quickly. So don’t waste them.

But the freedom he describes comes with a boundary. He reminds us that everything we do—every diversion, every decision, every desire—is seen by God. And it will all be weighed.

That’s not meant to scare us. It’s meant to ground us. God is not a killjoy; He’s the One who gave us the gift of life. But He also cares how we use it.

We’re called to live with boldness and accountability. To enjoy life deeply and honor God fully. To chase good things—but not in a way that forgets the Giver. To pursue the desires of our heart—but also regulate those desires by his will.

So what does that look like? It looks like joy without rebellion. Passion with wisdom. Zeal that’s anchored in truth. It means dealing with the stuff that confuses our hearts—bitterness, anxiety, sin—and not letting it steal the true beauty of the moment.

Then he adds to remove vexation and put away pain. In other words, don’t let the weight of the world settle into your soul. Don’t carry what you don’t have to. Don’t waste your youth—or your life—on what doesn’t last.

Enjoy your life. Honor your God. And let both shape the legacy you leave behind.

And on to our last chapter of Ecclesiastes—chapter 12.

#LiveWithPurpose, #JoyAndJudgment, #Ecclesiastes11

ASK THIS:

1. Am I enjoying life or simply surviving it?
2. How does the thought of God's judgment shape my daily decisions?
3. What desires in my heart need more wisdom and accountability?
4. What "vexation" or pain do I need to release to live freely?

DO THIS:

Enjoy your life today in a way that honors the God who gave it to you.

PRAY THIS:

Father, thank You for the gift of life and the freedom to enjoy it. Help me live with joy and accountability, honoring You in everything I do. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Joy In The Morning.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are approaching the end of Ecclesiastes, and the Gospel of Mark is next. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. If you are a donor who gives $35/month or more, you will receive one of these for free each time we begin a new study, as long as we have your current mailing address. You also get a few more benefits by becoming a monthly or annual donor, like video access to the website, and you can see all those benefits at the link in the description today. Either way, get your Scripture Journal now so you can take notes and follow along.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:7-8:

Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. — Ecclesiastes 11:7-8

Life is a gift. Solomon reminds us to enjoy it—to see the light, feel the warmth, and enjoy the good days. There’s something sacred about the simplicity of a sunrise, a shared meal, or a laugh with a friend. These are glimpses of God’s goodness in a world that often feels heavy.

But Solomon adds a sobering reminder: "The days of darkness will be many." Life has darkness. Seasons of loss. Moments of grief. Times when the light isn’t so visible. And we shouldn’t be surprised when they come.

Still, the contrast makes the sun sweeter. The joy of life isn’t found in pretending the dark days don’t exist—but in choosing to rejoice while we can. Not in a shallow, Instagram-worthy way—but in a deep, grounded gratitude that sees every moment as grace.

The call here is to live with balance. Rejoice fully. Remember frankly. Don’t cling to the delusion that life will always be easy. But don’t grow so cynical that you miss the beauty right before you.

Savor the good gifts of God today. And who prepare your hearts to trust God when the shadows fall tomorrow.

#LifeIsAGift, #Ecclesiastes11, #DailyDevotional

ASK THIS:

1. What simple joys has God placed in your life recently?
2. How do you respond when the dark days come?
3. In what ways can you practice grounded gratitude today?
4. Are you living with a healthy balance of rejoicing and remembering?

DO THIS:

Today, pause and savor one good gift from God—a sunrise, a smile, or a moment of stillness.

PRAY THIS:

Father, help me rejoice in the light and prepare my heart for the shadows. Teach me to see each moment as grace from You. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Fountains + Came To My Rescue.