Friday, July 30, 2021

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

The use of the third person seems to indicate that this postscript has been added by someone other than the author unless he is adopting this convention by way of conclusion.

The Philosopher has spoken the truth about life, show it for what it is without God. His constructive advice is scattered throughout the book. Now he pinpoints the one thing on which our life turns out attitude to God. There is a judgment when good and evil will be sorted out. We must live in the light of it. The 'fear of the Lord' is where true wisdom - and real-life - begins.

Why?

The words of the wise are like goads, people may don't like to hear but it is good for everyone. Goads are using to drive cattle. Wise words remind us.

Making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. It is true and give us one more warning. Write books to proclaim our name and our idea. Reading is good either but there are too many books it is weary to us, we should focus on the word of the Lord.

Fear the Lord and keep his commandments is the conclusion of the wise word in this chapter.

 ——

坊間各樣學說很多,讓人讀的很累,卻無益處。

人要思考以後的事,爲永恆打算。

ㄧ開始從ㄧ天來看,從當時來看,最後以永恆來看。不要只看眼前。這不是虛無飄渺,而在眼前聖經裏。

——-

How?

Fear the Lord and keep his commandments, may my mind and my heart follow the Lord!




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