College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

Ecclesiastes 12:13

B. MAN IS ADMONISHED TO FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. Ecclesiastes 12:13

TEXT 12:13

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 12:13

422.

Explain what has been heard. (Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:9-12)

423.

Is Solomon's conclusion in harmony with the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles? Give evidence.

424.

Identify what it is that applies to every man.

PARAPHRASE 12:13

All that I proposed to say, I have said. The conclusion then from what I have said is this: Revere and worship God; keep His commandments. This is the complete, fulfilling work of man, and no man shall escape its implications.

COMMENT 12:13

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Whatever difficulty one may encounter in the explanation of certain sections of Ecclesiastes, there can be little doubt about the intention of Solomon as he moves to his conclusion. His final observations are stated with great clarity. The conclusion is literally the sum of all. It should be noted that his personal claim to inspiration is made prior to his final warning which he says applies to all men.

The fear of God is now underscored as the major theme of the book. Vanity and the testimony values of this world are contrasted with true wisdom. This true wisdom leads one to shun evil and do good (Psalms 34:11-12) and is thus defined as the fear of the Lord. The fear of God and keeping His commands are inseparable. To obey God, in this context, is not an indication that one fears Him it is the fear of God. It is worthy of note that Solomon now applies his message to every man. Verse fourteen confirms the universality of the message. The Septuagint captures the meaning better than does the Authorized Version when it renders the statement as For this is the whole duty of man. Similar translations read, This is the duty of all men, This concerns all mankind, The whole of mankind, For this, all men, and The whole duty for every man. Paul draws this same conclusion as he said, Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also (Romans 3:29).

The Vanities of Ecclesiastes Contrasted With the Fear of the Lord which follows this immediate section, illustrates the negative pursuits of men which the Preacher declares to be but transitory and unfulfilling. The positive practice of the fear of the Lord fills the emptiness in man's life and directs him to satisfaction and joy.

FACT QUESTIONS 12:13

578.

The conclusion literally means what?

579.

Identify the major theme of the book.

580.

Which is the better translation: For this is the whole duty of man, or This is the duty of all men? Explain.

THE VANITIES OF ECCLESIASTES CONTRASTED WITH THE FEAR OF THE LORD

(1) Man's advantages

Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 3:9; Ecclesiastes 5:16

(2) The desire to learn all things

Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 2:23-26; Ecclesiastes 3:10