Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. 1Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.[a]
14 For 2God will bring every deed into judgment, with[b] every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 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 2

  • 1. Ecclesiastes 5:7; Deuteronomy 6:2; Deuteronomy 10:12
  • 2. Ecclesiastes 11:9; Job 19:29; Matthew 12:36; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16; Romans 14:10, 12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; [Ecclesiastes 3:15, 17; Genesis 18:25; Psalms 58:11]

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or the duty of all mankind
  • [b]. Or into the judgment on
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.