Ecclesiastes 12
Outline
1-8 | Remember your Creator before it is too late
9-10 | Summary of the Preacher’s life pursuits
11-12 | Books are good but they can be wearisome
13-14 | “fear God and keep His commandments”; God will judge every act, good or evil
Reflections
This is a summary passage the Preacher offers at the end of his own reflections where he summarizes what man’s duty is in this world: “fear God and keep His commandments.” He has discussed the many things, both good and evil, that men use to occupy their time while living but all of them are vanity or vain pursuits leading to nothing really.
Men, and women too for that matter, will find their ultimate fulfillment by learning to fear God and to keep His commandments. The fear that is being talked about is not the kind that makes people cower in a corner, rather it is the sense of awe that is due to the Creator of the Universe, Who determines the fate of nations and mankind, Who executes justice and grants mercy. As the Preacher says in verse 1, it is best to learn to do this in our youth.
Lord God, You know men’s hearts and what their fate will be. We pray for Your mercy and grace to be experienced by all who will come to You in faith. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Ecclesiastes_12_RL_FearGodAndKeepHisCommandments.pdf
