Monday, January 18, 2016


The Conclusion of the Matter

Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, comes to some interesting and vitally intriguing conclusions. The New Living Translation gives an easily understood example of an early conclusion in the writing of Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 NLT
The conclusions came at the expense of the experimentation of Solomon, some of which was good and other of which was and is ill-advised. Solomon uses the beginning of chapter two to explain some of the things which he did in order to come to these conclusions.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 ESV
Solomon seemingly anticipated the end of this experimentation before it began based on verse one. The New American commentary concurs with this thought, “He introduces his experiment by a dialogue with his heart. He proposes a test, the goal of which is to determine if pleasures provide an adequate justification for human existence. But he anticipates the results of his experiment—all the joys were fleeting.” After expending this time in his life Solomon observes that the time lost would never be regained (Ecclesiastes 2:11 ESV). He says the time spent in this style of life with no regard toward God was a vain attempt and made him feel as if there was nothing to be gained this side of eternity in living life in this fashion. Again the New American Commentary provides insightful wisdom concerning Solomon’s period of experimentation, “Throughout the book the Teacher will recommend enjoying life, but here he warns that partaking of pleasure does not of itself give meaning to existence.”
After spending much time, possibly his entire life coming to a singular conclusion, Solomon says this, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (Eccl. 12:13-14 NLT). But the preceding verses lend further credence to this statement. Eccl. 12:1-7 ESVIn the beginning verses of Solomon’s conclusion he tells the reader to remember God while you are still young. Don’t wait to come to the end of your life to come to this same conclusion. Solomon encourages finally and ultimately that following God is the chief end of man, but don’t wait to expend your entire life to come to this conclusion as he had, but rather learn this as a young man.  



Garrett, Duane A. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Vol. 14. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993. Print. The New American Commentary.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001. Print.
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013. Print.

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