The Conclusion of the Whole Matter
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Listen to the "Verse by Verse" episode covering this scripture.
Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom and his desperate search for happiness are summed up in the short book of Ecclesiastes, which itself is summed up in these final two verses.
Reading through the entire book of Ecclesiastes, you might think the often-repeated phrase “All is vanity” is the conclusion. Life in this physical world is often unfair, pointless and like grasping for the wind.
But Solomon does not end the book on that discouraging note. He puts human life in the proper perspective—in God’s perspective.
We must recognize the awesome majesty of God and the wonderful benefits of His commandments to achieve fulfillment in this life. That’s because this life is not all there is. God is a God of justice—and mercy. He will judge our every work, so we must strive to stop sinning and to obey Him instead.
But thankfully the Bible shows God has provided a way for our sins to be forgiven and for us to have life beyond this temporary existence.
Learn more about God’s incredible purpose for our lives in the section “What Is the Meaning of Life?”
