The Duty of All Men

MEMORY VERSE: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” —Ecclesiastes 12:13

ECCLESTIASTES 5:1-12

THE name “Ecclesiastes” is a translation of the Hebrew word “Koheleth,” which means an assembler, or convener. It is quite generally believed—although there are scholars who disagree—that Solomon was the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes. Surely it would take one as wise as Solomon to assemble so many precious nuggets of truth related to God’s plan, and to righteous living, as we find in this remarkable book. And Solomon obtained his wisdom from the Lord, although he did not always act wisely in his personal affairs and relationships.

The first verse of our lesson presents an important point—“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God.” The “house” of God is where his people meet to study his Word, to encourage one another, and to pray. Those who enter should do so conscious of the fact that through his Word and Spirit God is present. This calls for the spirit of reverence.

Solomon adds, “Be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools.” It is always wise to be a good listener, and especially in our relationship to God and to his people. Those who insist on doing most of the talking on all occasions often go through life quite ignorant of its true meaning. It is especially appropriate that in the house of God we give ear to what the Lord may be saying to his people through his Word and through his servants. We cannot truly know God unless we give ear to what he says.

“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it,” wrote Solomon. “Better is it,” he adds, “That thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” (vss. 4,5) Bringing this important point down to the present age, we are reminded that the followers of Jesus have entered into a covenant or vow with him based upon sacrifice. (Ps. 50:5) We have covenanted to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and this is a pathway that leads to sacrificial death. God is pleased with the vow we have taken, and for us it will lead to immortality and to joint-heirship with Jesus in his thousand-year kingdom if we are faithful to it even unto death.—Rev. 2:10; 20:6

Our memory verse sets forth an important point: “The conclusion of the whole matter” concerning our relation to God is that we should fear him “and keep his commandments.” This, Solomon says, “is the whole duty of man.” This text is preceded by the statement, “Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Books in Solomon’s day were not like they are today. They were hand written on parchment scrolls, and no doubt difficult to read; and much reading would indeed be wearisome to the flesh.

Found in this context the “books” referred to doubtless were treatises on religion of one sort or another, setting forth perhaps the traditions of men, or many-worded explanations of the simple laws of God. In any case, God’s requirements then, even as now, were relatively simple, and quite understandable—“Fear God, and keep his commandments”—what could be stated more simply than this?

The Lord’s people have always been somewhat prone to wander from the basic simplicity of his requirements. The Prophet Micah wrote, “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” And then the answer: “He [God] hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”—Micah 6:7,8

However, the implications of these simple requirements are far-reaching, and exacting. “The Gospel of Christ,” which “is the power of God unto salvation,” expresses a simple proposition. (Rom. 1:16) What is meant by following Christ is not difficult to comprehend. Jesus explained it very simply—“Take up your cross and follow me.” This is easily understood—a college education is not needed to grasp it.

But to put these requirements into effect in our lives is exacting. It means the giving up of all that we have, devoting even our lives to the service of the Lord. This is not the duty of all men, as the caption of our lesson suggests, but it is the duty of all who have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord by following Christ, and endeavoring to be like him. It is more than a duty—it is a privilege. May we be faithful to it!

QUESTIONS

Explain the importance of reverence in “the house of God.”

What is a Christian’s vow to the Lord?

What is the Lord’s will for his people during the present age?

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