Ecclesiastes 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
In all three of the examples given, the Hebrew word NEPHESH is used, and it occurs several times in the Old Testament, but never does the word suggest, or even refer to some disembodied intelligent entity of a person, floating around somewhere on this planet, let alone in heaven.
It is correctly interpreted as life, or breath, but not as a separate living entity, outside of the body. Thus, to arrive at correct conclusions when studying these and any other similar passages, the clear, scriptural doctrine on the matter should form the basis of the interpretation regardless of how one or more Bible writers may render an event.
Hence the reason why sound doctrine is important, for it forms the foundation of the belief system, and when doctrine is Bible based it becomes immovable and unapologetic, meaning that whatever folks may read pertaining to a specific event, the foundational doctrine never changes.
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!