The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. My focus today is an unassisted review of the the third division of the text Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14, which is explored in the commentary chapter entitled Aging Is Meaningless without Jesus. The commentary describes the third division as 12:8-14 with this division entitled Trust in Jesus as Your Savior and Sage. V8 repeats a familiar refrain from Ecclesiastes - that all is vanity and meaningless. Yet with everything (including wisdom) being meaningless, Solomon still takes the time to pass on wisdom - see vv9-10. In v11, wisdom is described as being given by one Shepherd, implying divine origins of scripture. In v12, Solomon encourages his son to avoid focus (beware) on earthly wisdom over wisdom from the "one Shepherd." In vv13-14, Solomon concludes his investigation and search for meaning by concluding another familiar refrain (in terms of it coming up in my study previously) that fear of God and keeping of His commandments "is the whole duty of man." We are also encouraged to be holy and please God because God will ultimately judge all of our deeds as He knows everything about the what we have done.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion. Thank You for Your Word as it is a lamp unto my feet and You direct my steps. I am not deserving of how You speak to me and offer salvation and grace. My sin is great and it continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me over come and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
