Articles
The Whole Duty of Man
What is my purpose in being here? What is the secret to happiness? Where can I turn for guidance on how to live my life? Have you ever contemplated or sought answers to these questions? If you have then you are not alone. King Solomon also sought the answers to these questions and learned some valuable lessons that you and I can benefit from.
Solomon was in a unique position of being able to try anything and everything that he wanted in order to fine happiness. Nothing was too expensive for him to buy and no one could tell him that he could not do something. Yet, none of these earthly pursuits brought fulfillment to Solomon.
Solomon shares his conclusion with us in Ecc.12:11-14: “The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” True wisdom is found only in the words of God and we should beware of anything that differs from it. Man’s duty is to fear and serve the Lord. This makes for the best life here and it prepares us for the judgment day.
