Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Ecclesiastes 12:9-14. Let’s go!
Ecclesiastes 12:9 (NIV)
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
On verse 9: As we close out our look at Ecclesiastes, it is worth mentioning that many scholars believe that verses 9-14 in Ecclesiastes were probably someone else, not Qohelet himself, writing an epilogue to Qohelet’s reflections, almost like an M.C. thanking a speaker.
Ecclesiastes 12:10 (NIV)
10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
On verse 10: Like Qohelet who “searched to find just the right words”, may you and I choose our words carefully when speaking to others.
Ecclesiastes 12:11 (NIV)
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails–given by one Shepherd.
On verse 11: Though wise words may be spoken by different people, ultimately wisdom comes from one Shepherd, God Himself.
Ecclesiastes 12:12a (NIV)
12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them…
On verse 12: We must be careful to know God’s Word well and not to add anything on top of God’s commands unnecessarily (see Revelation 22:18-19; Proverbs 30:6). That was what the Pharisees did, elevating their own ideas and traditions even above God’s Word (Mark 7:8-9, 13).
Ecclesiastes 12:12b (NIV)
12 …Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
On verse 12b: People who have spent more time in school than they would like might say “Amen” to this.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
On verses 13-14: At the end of the day, after all this talk from Qohelet, the bottom line is: Fear God and keep His commandments, because that is what we were born to do (v13) and God will hold each one of us accountable for the way we lived (v14).
This brings our look at Ecclesiastes to a close. What were the most important lessons you learned from this book? I encourage you to take a look back at what you learned in Ecclesiastes and say a prayer to God based on it.
Thank You Father that though there is much in life we don’t and cannot understand, we can be confident that You are good and make all things beautiful in Your time. Please give me wisdom to know how to live, speak, and decide in ways that please You. Please help me to live for You and enjoy my days doing so. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
