The Conclusion of the Matter
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
The spiritual life of Solomon can, to a great degree, be traced through his writings as recorded in the Bible. They are not straightforward history but are rather in a poetic style that reveals his inner thoughts throughout his life. At the beginning of his reign over Israel, he asked God for “an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad” (1 Kings 3:9), and he subsequently became renowned for his wisdom (e.g., 3:28; 4:29).
Unfortunately, as is well documented in Scripture, his thirst for human wisdom led him into compromise and disobedience, setting the stage for national apostasy and idolatry upon his death. The book of Ecclesiastes chronicles a series of experiments that he conducted in search for the highest human good, but each forced him to conclude that “all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2, etc.), that there is no humanly discernible pattern in the affairs of men. However, he concludes that life is the gift of God and should be enjoyed (3:13). Furthermore, he recognized the eventual judgment of God and concluded it is best to live in obedience to God’s commands (e.g., 3:16-17).
Our text summarizes the entire book of Ecclesiastes. Here is the secret of human fulfillment. Note the two complementary commands, “fear God” and “keep his commandments.”
A true reverence for God necessarily results in obedience to His commands. Wise Solomon knew it, and Christ and the New Testament writers reinforced it (John 14:15; 1 John 5:2; etc.). Life’s harsh realities and seeming paradoxes are at times incomprehensible to us. Only by adopting a proper attitude toward life and God can we cope.
SCRIPTURE (Psalm 22:23-31)
Psalm 22:23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All descendants of Jacob, honor Him! All offspring of Israel, revere Him!
24 For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help.
25 My praise for You resounds in the great assembly; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— even those unable to preserve their lives.
30 Posterity will serve Him; they will declare the Lord to a new generation.
31 They will come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn— all that He has done.
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