What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8)?

Answer  
  

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 is a well\-known passage that deals with the balanced, cyclical nature of life and says that there is a proper time for everything:  
  

“There is a time for everything,  

and a season for every activity under the heavens:  

[a time to be born and a time to die](time-to-be-born-and-time-to-die.html),  

a time to plant and a time to uproot,  

a time to kill and a time to heal,  

a time to tear down and a time to build,  

a time to weep and a time to laugh,  

a time to mourn and a time to dance,  

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,  

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,  

a time to search and a time to give up,  

a time to keep and a time to throw away,  

a time to tear and a time to mend,  

a time to be silent and a time to speak,  

a time to love and a time to hate,  

a time for war and a time for peace.”  
  

In this passage, the [Preacher](Preacher-Ecclesiastes.html) says that there is a time for every matter in life. He illustrates this truth by juxtaposing opposites: fourteen pairs of contrasting activities as examples of how life is comprised of various seasons. A straightforward reading of the passage reveals several concepts:  
  

First, the timing of our activities is important. Killing someone (Ecclesiastes 3:8\) is generally considered evil and a crime, but that may change during a time of war, when defending one’s country can be considered a noble act. Dancing (verse 4\) may be appropriate during a time of celebration, but it would not be appropriate for a funeral. Both our actions and the *timing* of our actions are important to God.  
  

Second, these seasons in which certain pursuits are proper are appointed by God. His plan for life involves a variety of experiences and activities. Weeping may be part of life, but life is not *all* weeping; laughter has a place, too (Ecclesiastes 3:4\). Construction is good in its time, but sometimes deconstruction is necessary (verse 3\).  
  

A key to this passage is found a few verses later: “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11\). The proper activity at the right time, bringing about God’s purposes, is a beautiful part of God’s overall plan. A tapestry, viewed from the back, seems a chaotic and unlovely work; but the maker of the tapestry has a wise purpose for the placement of each thread.  
  

Third, Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 serves as a bridge between the first two chapters and the section that follows. People are to accept each day as a gift from the hand of God (2:24–26\). Why? Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 explains it is because God has a reason and a time for all things. People may be ignorant of God’s timing (3:9–11\), but they are called to enjoy life in the present (3:12–13\) and trust in God’s sovereignty (3:14–15\).  
  

God offers much wisdom in the saying, “There is a time for everything, / and a season for every activity under the heavens.” God is sovereign. Our activity in this world is meaningful as we rely on His wisdom, His timing, and His goodness.  
  

