Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

8 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.[a]“Everything is meaningless!”

The Conclusion of the Matter

9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.[b]
12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 12

This chapter begins with advice to young men, which is continued from the preceding; and particularly to remember their Creator in the days of their youth; enforced from the consideration of the troubles and inconveniences of old age, Ec 12:1; which, in an allegorical way, is beautifully described, Ec 12:2-6; and from the certainty of death, when it would be too late, Ec 12:7. And then the wise man returns to his first proposition, and which he kept in view all along, that all is vanity in youth or old age, Ec 12:8; and recommends the reading of this book, from the diligence, pains and labour, he used in composing it; from the sententious matter in it; from the agreeable, acceptable, and well chosen words, in which he had expressed it; and from the wisdom, uprightness, truth, efficacy, and authority of the doctrines of it, Ec 12:9-11; and from its preference to other books, which were wearisome both to author and reader, Ec 12:12. And it is concluded with the scope and design, the sum and substance of the whole of it, reducible to these two heads; the fear of God, and obedience to him, Ec 12:13; and which are urged from the consideration of a future judgment, into which all things shall be brought, Ec 12:14.

Cross References 12

  • 1. Ecclesiastes 1:1
  • 2. S Ecclesiastes 1:2
  • 3. 1 Kings 4:32
  • 4. S Ecclesiastes 1:1
  • 5. Proverbs 22:20-21
  • 6. S Ezra 9:8; S Job 6:25
  • 7. S Ecclesiastes 1:18
  • 8. S Exodus 20:20; S 1 Samuel 12:24; S Job 23:15; S Psalms 19:9
  • 9. S Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 10:12
  • 10. S Deuteronomy 4:6; S Job 37:24; Micah 6:8
  • 11. S Job 19:29; S Ecclesiastes 3:17
  • 12. S Job 34:21; S Psalms 19:12; Jeremiah 16:17; Jeremiah 23:24; Matthew 10:26; 1 Corinthians 4:5

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or "the leader of the assembly" ; also in verses 9 and 10
  • [b]. Or "Shepherd"
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