In V 12 Solomon observes that the thirst for knowledge
In V 12 Solomon observes that the thirst for knowledge
In V 12 Solomon observes that the thirst for knowledge will never cease and there are many books still to be written on the subject.
But they cannot all be believed, and it will be too wearisome to study them all. Then in V 13, in sharp contrast to trying his utmost throughout Ecclesiastes to prove that life is futile and not worth living, Solomon counsels his readers to bring all the issues he raises, as well as life itself, to a final conclusion by reverencing God and obeying His commandments (CP V 13).
Solomon acknowledges here that the only real meaning to life is to be found in a relationship with God. Everything else is "vanity".
The entire book of Ecclesiastes must be understood in light of this verse. Regardless of his cynical observations of life as meaningless and vain elsewhere in the book, what Solomon counsels his readers to do here, and in V 14, gives life the meaning for which Solomon searched so vainly (CP V 14).
Every living soul must prepare for eternity on the basis that their every deed, their every thought, their every word, their every secret thing, will be judged by God (CP Ecc 3:17; 11:9; Mt 12:36; Ac 17:30-34; Ro 2:16; He 4:12-13).
The righteous will be judged at the Judgement Seat of Christ (CP Ro 14:10-12; 2Cor 5:10). The Judgement Seat of Christ is not to determine punishment, but the Christian's place in heaven (CP 1Cor 3:11-15).
The wicked will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgement at the end of Christ's millennial - one thousand years - reign, where they will be cast into the lake of fire (CP Rev 20:11-15).