Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

8 All things are to no purpose, says the Preacher, all is to no purpose.

9 And because the Preacher was wise he still gave the people knowledge; searching out, testing, and putting in order a great number of wise sayings.

10 The Preacher made search for words which were pleasing, but his writing was in words upright and true.

11 The words of the wise are pointed, and sayings grouped together are like nails fixed with a hammer; they are given by one guide.

12 And further, my son, take note of this: of the making of books there is no end, and much learning is a weariness to the flesh.

13 This is the last word. All has been said. Have fear of God and keep his laws; because this is right for every man.

14 God will be judge of every work, with every secret thing, 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.