The Whole of Man

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. Ecclesiastes 12:13

Last week we considered the sweetness of the word of God as David described in Psalm 19. Today we consider the words of his son, Solomon, concerning the impact that reverently keeping God’s commandments has on the human condition (Ecclesiastes 12:13). As mentioned last time, many treat the word of God as oppressive and restrictive which leads them reject His will and seek fulfillment in the offerings of the world around. All of humanity is constantly craving something because God created us to seek Him (Acts 17:26-28). Library and bookstore shelves are littered with self help and personal improvement books. Similarly, videos and podcasts abound aiming at the same ends of personal fulfillment and a sense of completion. Doctors prescribe drugs and various regiments to try and exact these ends as well. Sadly, these efforts based in human wisdom have no lasting anchor point. Therefore, the search for true wholeness continues with no enduring solution.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon laments his many wasted years seeking fulfillment in things “under the sun” rather than from the Source above. He tried human wisdom (1:12-14), earthly pleasures (2:1-3), personal achievements and possessions (2:4-11), etc., but in all these he learned that it was vanity and chasing the wind. People today continue this futile “under the sun” quest for that thing that will bring lasting satisfaction to them. I find Solomon especially compelling in this discussion because of the resources he had available. I too wasted a lot of years chasing the wind as Solomon did, and I can confirm from all my efforts that fulfillment is not found in earthly things. However, due to my very limited resources, my failed experiment was not as extensive in its scope. There were pleasures in this life that were beyond my ability to experience. However, Solomon had all the money, power, and connections that were necessary to test it all out. After turning over every stone in the world and seeking fulfillment in all that this world has to offer, it was all still vanity of vanities (Ecclesiastes 12:8).

Fortunately for Solomon, he appears to have returned to his senses before slipping into eternity. He appears to have concluded his life in right standing with God, at least according to his concluding thoughts in Ecclesiastes. With the benefit of hindsight from his experiences (1:1-12:12) and foresight from God’s revealed will (12:14), he was able to see things clearly. In hindsight, his earthbound efforts were clearly a waste of time that set him at odds with God. In foresight, he was compelled to action because of the judgment that God will bring to all. In his renewed clear vision, he determined that fearing God and keeping His commandments was the key to being filled (12:13).

Translations vary on the wording of the last phrase of this verse. Most render it as “the whole duty of man” or as the NKJV has it, “man’s all.” While both are true, a closer look at the text reveals that the literal rendering is that fearing God and keeping His commandments is “the whole of man.” This is significant as we seek wholeness in this life. Try as we may to find completion “under the sun,” Solomon learned and by inspiration revealed to us that this will always be vanity of vanities. It is as Paul told the Colossians concerning the Christ that “…you are complete in Him…” (Colossians 2:10a). This hope is the anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). So, will we continue striving after the wind, or will we heed Solomon’s advice and “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (12:1).

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