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Ecclesiastes 5:7
For in the multitude of dreams and many wordsthere are alsodivers vanities: but fear thou God.

Ecclesiastes 8:12
Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and hisdays be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

Genesis 22:12
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine onlyson from me.

the conclusion of the matter is this
The term "conclusion" indicates a final, decisive statement. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it serves as the ultimate answer to the questions of life's purpose and meaning. This conclusion is not just a summary but a definitive resolution to the existential inquiries posed throughout the book. It aligns with the biblical principle that God's wisdom provides clarity and direction, as seen inJames 1:5, where believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God.

Fear God
"Fear" in this context refers to a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. This fear is foundational to a proper relationship with God, as it acknowledges His authority and our accountability to Him. The concept of fearing God is a recurring theme in Scripture, such as inProverbs 9:10, where the fear of the Lord is described as the beginning of wisdom. It underscores the importance of humility and submission to God's will.

and keep His commandments
This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's laws as a response to fearing Him. Keeping God's commandments is a tangible expression of faith and reverence, reflecting a life aligned with His will. This mirrors the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen inDeuteronomy 6:1-2, where obedience to God's commandments is linked to blessings and life. It highlights the biblical principle that true faith is demonstrated through actions.

because this is the whole duty of man
The term "whole duty" suggests that fearing God and keeping His commandments encompass the entirety of human responsibility. It implies that life's ultimate purpose is found in a relationship with God, characterized by reverence and obedience. This aligns with the creation narrative in Genesis, where humanity is created to live in fellowship with God and steward His creation. It also resonates with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 22:37-40, where loving God and others is described as the greatest commandment, encapsulating the essence of the law and the prophets.

Solomon is wrapping up his search for meaning. After exploring wisdom, pleasure, work, wealth, and even folly (Ecclesiastes 1–11), he now looks back and says, in effect, “I’ve tested everything.”

• Life “under the sun” looked empty (Ecclesiastes 1:2), yet God was quietly weaving purpose through every season (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11).

• We face death and judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:7), so the time for half-hearted living is gone. All arguments and excuses have been aired—nothing more needs to be said.

Solomon’s tone is decisive. The word “conclusion” signals a settled verdict, not a tentative opinion.

•Proverbs 30:5–6 reminds us that every word of God is flawless; Solomon’s verdict aligns with the rest of Scripture.

• Jesus echoed this clarity when He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The Bible never leaves us with a muddled finish.

“Fear” here is not terror that drives us away but reverent awe that draws us close, recognizing God’s holiness and authority.

•Exodus 20:20 shows fear leading to obedience, not paralysis.

•Psalm 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him”.

•Proverbs 1:7 calls this fear “the beginning of knowledge,” a foundation for every wise choice.

Reverence flows naturally into obedience. We prove our awe of God by taking His words seriously.

•Deuteronomy 10:12–13 ties fearing God directly to walking in His ways.

• Jesus stated, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

•1 John 5:3 assures us His commands are not burdensome; they free us from self-destructive paths.

Solomon names our core purpose: living in worshipful submission to God.

•Micah 6:8 condenses life’s call to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

• Jesus summarized the Law with “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–40), echoing Solomon’s point.

• Outside this calling, achievements, pleasures, and philosophies collapse into “vanity”; within it, even ordinary tasks gain eternal value (1 Corinthians 10:31).

After all debate,Ecclesiastes 12:13 plants two immovable stakes: fear God, keep His commandments. Reverent awe plus loving obedience is life’s true north. When we live this way, nothing is meaningless; when we don’t, nothing ultimately satisfies.