The Conclusion of the Whole Matter
So what does the wisest person who ever lived have to say?.
But first who was the wisest man to ever live
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
1 Kings 10:23–24 (KJV 1900)
And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
2 Chronicles 9:22–23 (KJV 1900)
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
1 Kings 4:29 (KJV 1900)
This is what he determined
More about the conclusion?
8: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.
“Everything is meaningless!”
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.
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.
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 whole [duty] of man.
14: For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol. 14, p. 343).
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
The New International Version. (2011). (Ec 12:8–14).
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.