The Conclusion of the Whole Matter - Ecclesiastes 12:13

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “the words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished of making many books there is no end; and much study is weariness of the flesh”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirteen of his book Solomon said, “let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter” where we read,

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: 

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The verse reads, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:” Solomon began with the words, “let us hear” which means “allow and permit us, Solomon and his readers, to listen to, obey and perceive by ear” “the conclusion” or “the termination, hinder participle and end” “of the whole matter” which means “pertaining to each, every, the totality and everything about the word, speaking, utterance and business”. Solomon called upon himself and his readers to perceive the end of everything that he declared.

 

The verse goes on to say, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Solomon continued with the words, “fear God” or “be afraid, honor, stand in awe and revere the Supreme Deity”, “and keep his commandments” which means “and guard, give heed to, have charge of, obey and protect his, God’s, law, ordinance and precepts”: “for this is the whole duty” or “because, since and on account that fearing God and keeping His commandments  exist as the entire responsibility” “of man” which means “belonging to people, whether male or female”. Solomon said having honor and reverence toward the Supreme Deity Jehovah God and observing His law exist as the entire responsibility of people. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover the principle Solomon learned after attempting everything that was available to Him. There is nothing greater than having awe and reverence toward Jehovah God and obeying His laws and ways. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us through His Holy Spirit to honor and revere Him while we keep and observe His laws and commandments. 

Next time Solomon says, “God shall bring every work into judgment”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".