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Conclusion (11:9-12:14)The Danger of Solomon's Conclusion (11:9-10)Solomon concludes with verse 9, that we can go ahead and follow his philosophy of eat drink and be merry. But there is a consequence that is not "under the son." (Ecclesiastes 11:9 NASB) Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. Remember God in Your Youth (12:1-8)True joy in life will only come through remembering your creator (12:1) in the days of your youth. Solomon is warning comes from an old man who has lived his life and now is regrets the course he has taken. (Ecclesiastes 12:6-8 NASB) Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; (7) then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. (8) "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "all is vanity!" Fear God! (12:9-14)Solomon conclusion is that we could philosophize forever and never get anywhere. The real end to life, the only thing that will bring satisfaction is the fear of God. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-13 NASB) The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. (12) But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. (13) The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. According to Ray Stedman, this is a poor translation of the conclusion. He would better translate it, "Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of man," or, better yet, ”this is what makes man whole." BibliographyGlenn, Donald R. “Ecclesiastes.” Bible Knowledge Commentary. John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, ed. Victor Books, 1997. Kidner, Derek. The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job & Ecclesiastes: An Introduction to Wisdom Literature . Downers Grove IL : Intervarsity Press. 1985. Leupold, H.C. Exposition of Ecclesiastes Baker Book House: Grand Rapids , MI , 1972. Malick, David. The Book of Ecclesiastes. Available on-line at http://www.bible.org . Stedman, Ray C. "Ecclesiastes: The Inspired Book of Error," Discovery Publishing: Palo Alto CA , http://www.pbc.org/dp/stedman/adventure/0221.html , 1965. Stedman, Ray C. Is This All There Is to Life?: Answers from Ecclesiastes . Grand Rapids MI : Discovery House Publishers, 1999. Wright, J. Stafford. “Ecclesiastes.” Expositor's Bible Commentary . Frank E. Gaebelein, ed. Grand Rapids MI : Zondervan, 1998. |
