Could this be the Summary of all Bible Teachings?

Daily Devotional – Sunday, November 14, 2021

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV)

Picture Solomon sitting down, writing the last words of Ecclesiastes. The wise man reviews the twelve chapters. He is impressed with the philosophy and wisdom he has disseminated. At least, he tells himself, I will leave a legacy of wisdom derived from my good and bad experiences.

Suddenly, a disconcerting thought interrupts his musing. Will all my readers understand my message? What if they read my memoirs and end up disillusioned? At the end of the book, what, in a nutshell, will they say they have learned?

The ageing Solomon decides to insert two concluding verses to his book to serve as a summary and take-home tip for his readers. Perhaps he envisions a situation where some readers might skip some chapter and read the conclusion of the book. 

The Conclusion of the Whole Matter

This is how he draws the curtains on Ecclesiastes: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Solomon is saying, “I know I said your life is short and filled with sorrow, so you have to have fun. However, remember you owe everything to God. You must respect and obey Him. Your whole duty in life is to reverence the one who created you and who sustains your life.”

“In addition, judgement is coming. God will hold you accountable for your good and bad deeds, even those done in secret. Whether you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, God must be the centre of your life.”

If you forget everything else you have read in Ecclesiastes and the Bible in general, remember to fear God, keep His commandments and be ready for the coming judgement. That is ‘the conclusion of the whole matter.’

Thank you, God. Teach me how and help me to fear You and keep Your commandments.