Day #29: The Whole Duty of Man

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught knowledge to the people; he carefully evaluated and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find delightful words, and to write accurately truthful sayings. The words of the sages are like prods, and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. There is no end to the making of many books, and much study is exhausting to the body.  (Ec 12:9-12)

Concluding Colophon

Commentators tend to agree that Ec 12:9-12 fits the pattern of a concluding colophon.  A colophon is typically at the beginning or ending of a manuscript where the copyist includes some personal information or observation.  In this case a third person is commenting on Solomon's literary approach.  Some highlights of this colophon are that Solomon was a wise teacher and that he taught in a systematic way which carefully evaluated and arranged his proverbs.  He also sought to teach accurately and with style.  A warning is included here as well.  Although the words of proverbs are effective for prodding the reader in a proper direction, care must be given to who you listen to.  Not all who present themselves as wise really are wise.  And no one should assume that they can add anything or take anything away from the proverbs in this book.  It seems that the person commenting on Ecclesiastes sees the divine source behind the wisdom Solomon presents.  If indeed this book was inspired by the Holy Spirit, as we believe, then extreme caution should be taken in changing the content in some way.  It reminds you of the conclusion of Revelations 22:18-19 where the Apostle John warns…

I testify to the one who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.

Solomon's Conclusion

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will evaluate every deed, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ec 12:13-14)

What a fitting conclusion to a wonderful and mysterious book.  Though hard to understand, Ecclesiastes is filled with practical advice.  It is a real puzzler at first glance.  Everything is futile!  What do you do with that? Where can you go from there?  Why would you say, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity"?  And if all is vanity, what's the use?

So, Solomon starts at the bottom of a deep dark well and systematically leads us to the light of day.  He addresses the cold fact that we are living in a fallen world with fallen natures.  Things do not work as they should in this world and neither do, we as individuals work as we should.  He empirically states that no one is truly righteous.  He seems to make fun of those who are overly religious.  He shows that the five most common pursuits of man are ultimately meaningless.  There is no true justice and chance seems to outweigh the hard work and plans of men.

But there is hope.  God reigns supreme over the affairs of men and nations.  He has created a world where the simple pleasures of common grace are sufficient to meet the needs of everyday people.  Anyone with a thankful heart can enjoy the fruits of their labor and the wife of their youth.  We are encouraged to enjoy life and live life to the fullest.  Even though death awaits us all, life is worth the living. 

Most of Solomon's advice seems directed toward the young men of his kingdom.  But it is equally beneficial to all who will listen and learn.

And what of Solomon's personal life?  How do we process the odd reality of his being the wisest of men, yet he would not follow either his own advice nor the Lord's commands?  Even though filled with wisdom, he did not possess the personal righteousness that could have prevented him from accumulating numerous foreign women and following the worship of their gods.  His power, wealth, and women did indeed lead him astray.  But later in life, as he writes this book, he pulls no punches on these very issues.  He actually seems contrite and warns us of making the same mistakes.

So, what should we conclude?  Although the book may seem hard to understand, the conclusion is not.  Fear God and keep his commandments.  True reverence for the Almighty will result in a holy conscience that shuns evil.  Though sin "crouches at the door", a healthy fear of God serves as a prophylactic to our soul.  We fear God both in the present and in the future.  For the present, we know that He observes our every deed and our every thought.  There is nothing hidden from His sight.  As the writer of Hebrews has said,

And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. (He 4:13)

And as He observes our every thought and deed, we must one day give account.  And Solomon says this is the whole duty of man.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Cor 5:10)

Questions to consider:

  1. What does it mean to fear God?
  2. Are certain commandments more important? If so, which ones?
  3. Why do you suppose Solomon would say this is the "whole duty of man"?

 

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