The book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon towards the end of his life. In it, he reflects on the meaninglessness of life apart from God. One of the most well-known passages is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which speaks of there being a time and season for everything under heaven. Verse 6 specifically mentions “a time to keep and a time to throw away.” What exactly does this mean?
The overall message of Ecclesiastes is that life is fleeting and futile without an eternal perspective. Chapter 3 emphasizes the cyclical nature of life by listing contrasting activities and states of being that each have an appropriate time. The Preacher (likely Solomon) is essentially saying that for everything in life there is a season when it is appropriate or wise to engage in it.
So when he states in verse 6 that there is “a time to keep and a time to throw away,” he is speaking about discernment in knowing when to hold onto something and when to let it go. The word translated “keep” has the sense of watching over, preserving, or protecting something. It refers to stewarding possessions or relationships well during the season you’re meant to have them. In contrast, “throw away” implies discarding or getting rid of something that is no longer useful, relevant, or wanted.
A “time to keep” speaks of wisely maintaining things that still have value and purpose within God’s plan for your life. This could apply to clothes, possessions, money, friendships, memories, talents, or any number of things that enrich your life and enable you to bless others. When these things continue to serve a good purpose, they are worth preserving and protecting.
But a “time to throw away” acknowledges that seasons change and what once was beneficial may now be a hindrance. Getting rid of clutter, ending toxic relationships, letting go of bitterness, confessing sin, and releasing the past to Jesus are all examples of healthy throwing away for a new season up ahead. This demonstrates maturity, self-awareness, and eternal perspective.
Other verses that compliment this idea of appropriate timing include:
Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 – A wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter.
Matthew 9:16-17 – No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 – What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
So in summary, Solomon’s reflection on “a time to keep and a time to throw away” emphasizes the importance of prayerfully evaluating when to hold on and when to release. Whatever season of life you find yourself in, ask the Lord for wisdom in stewarding your time, talents, relationships and possessions for your good and His glory.
Examples of Knowing When to Keep and When to Throw Away
Relationships
There are seasons when relationships are meant to continue and seasons when it’s time to let them go:
- Keep – Investing in a marriage, pouring into friendships, reconciliation and forgiveness
- Throw Away – Ending abusive or destructive relationships, letting go of past hurts, moving on after a breakup
Physical Possessions
There are wise times to hold onto things and times when it’s best to declutter:
- Keep – Maintaining useful household items, keeping sentimental items that bring joy, stewarding valuables
- Throw Away – Getting rid of clutter, donating unused clothes and items, disposing of broken or useless things
Ministry/Vocation
Seasons of life may lead to changes in calling and career:
- Keep – Remaining faithful in uncertain times, persisting through challenges at work
- Throw Away – Leaving a job that’s causing moral compromise, ending a ministry season to start something new, retirement
Dreams/Goals
God’s plans may change for our lives depending on the season:
- Keep – Continuing education to achieve career goals, protecting family time amid busy schedules
- Throw Away – Releasing assumptions about what “should” happen in the future, adapting when God closes some doors and opens others
Mindsets/Behaviors
We may need to change perspectives and habits as we spiritually mature:
- Keep – Maintaining disciplines like prayer and Bible study, guarding our thought-lives and integrity
- Throw Away – Letting go of bitterness, unhealthy thought patterns, replacing bad habits with godly ones
Rather than making broad prescriptions, the Preacher acknowledges the complexity of life. What is wise in one scenario or season may be foolish in another. We need God’s Spirit to guide us in applying discernment and grace to the ever-changing dynamics of life.
As we walk with Jesus day by day, He will lead us through times of keeping things that are good and times of letting go of things that have fulfilled their purpose. The key is an eternal perspective and willingness to follow where He leads.
How to Discern When it’s Time to Keep or Time to Throw Away
Since life is complex, how do we get wisdom to know when it’s the right time to hold onto something and when it’s time to let it go?
1. Pray and seek godly counsel.
James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God for it. He promises to generously give insight to all who ask in faith. God cares about even the small details of our lives and wants to guide us in them (Psalm 139:1-3).
In addition to praying, it’s wise to seek counsel from other believers who know you well and can offer biblical perspective. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
2. Evaluate if this aligns with biblical values.
As Christians, God’s Word is our source of truth and the compass for life. Does holding onto this align with biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and eternity? Or does throwing this away reflect godly wisdom and leading of the Spirit?
Scripture will help give clarity on God’s perspective.
3. Consider how this affects your relationships and calling.
Will keeping or releasing this help you love God and serve others more wholeheartedly? Or could it become a stumbling block in your most important relationships and purposes?
If possible, talk through the options with family or friends who want the best for you.
4. Listen to the convictions of your conscience.
God gave us a conscience to discern right from wrong. If we feel unrest or unease about a choice, that may indicate it is not the right timing after all. The Holy Spirit prompts our conscience to guide us.
“My conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 9:1). Pay attention to any checks in your spirit.
5. Reflect on whether it’s becoming an idol.
Keeping something good can become unhealthy if it starts to displace God from the top priority in our heart. Throwing away an idol may be key to properly glorifying God again.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). If this is crowding out time with God, it may need to go.
6. Consider if it’s a wise use of resources.
Being a good steward includes factoring in if this is the best use of your mental energy, talents, finances and time compared to other options. Love for neighbor should shape how we use what God has given us.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
7. Visualize life without it – how does that feel?
Envision your life moving forward without the thing you’re debating. Does picturing freedom from it inspire hope or dread? Then try the reverse – picturing still holding onto it months or years down the road.
This exercise reveals whether your heart is inclined towards it being a time to keep or throw away.
8. Start small and move slowly.
You don’t have to decide everything today. Try incremental steps in either direction and give yourself margin to process, pray, and evaluate the results over time.
Making small thought-out choices prevents hasty moves you’ll regret. Seek to wait on God’s timing rather than rushing.
Trusting God with the Results
As you seek God about whether to keep or release something, remember that He is sovereign and knows the path ahead far better than you (Isaiah 46:9-10). We can rest in the knowledge that God will work all things together for our good as we follow Him (Romans 8:28).
Even if we make a misstep or mistime things, He remains in control and can redeem our choices when offered back to Him. “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24).
In seasons of keeping, God wisely grows and matures us through what He has given. In seasons of throwing away, He leads us to what is next through what He prunes away.
Trusting God’s perfect timing is central to discovering the meaning of each season. Whatever you face today, you can receive His grace and guidance to discern if now is the time to keep or the time to throw away.