Eclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

1 There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—

2 A time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. [Heb 9:27]

3 A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

5 A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7 A time to *3:7 This may be a reference to the practice of tearing one’s clothes as a sign of mourning which began early among the Hebrews. Cf Gen 37:29. There are many references to this in the Old Testament. Solomon was no doubt familiar with this practice as his own father engaged in it with his contemporaries. Cf 2 Sam 3:31.tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to keep silent and a time to speak. [Amos 5:13]

8 A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace. [Luke 14:26]