Under The Sun: The Book of Ecclesiastes
Pastor Reuben Foncardas
Ecclesiastes 12:8-14
The wise King Solomon repeated his thesis “Life is meaningless under the sun” (12:8; cf. 1:2) after pointing out that all human efforts and all human wisdom are limited. Yet he also emphasized several times in his book that life should be enjoyed as God enables (cf. 2:24–26; 3:12, 22; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7–9).
The point of everything discussed in Ecclesiastes is summed up in the book’s concluding instructions (12:13-14).
1. Live your life in light of his holiness.
- “Fear God… this is the whole duty of man.”
- Follow this advice because the source of the wise Teacher’s words is the “Shepherd” (v. 11).
2. Live your life in light of his will.
- “Keep his commandments… God will bring every deed into judgment.”
- Follow this advice because the wise Teacher’s words are “upright and true” (v. 10).
