The Preacher's conclusion

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.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

The book of Ecclesiastes ends with one final clear observation. There is one overarching truth that sets the framewok for living in a fantastic and sometimes frustrating world: "fear God and keep His commands." That is the driving philosophy Solomon found to make sense of things.

So when I share in Solomon's sarcastic observations about the world's absurdities, I pause and recall that God is in control. It is His plan to sort it all out in righteous judgment. No person gets away with anything. No secret sins go unpunished. No hidden charity goes unrewarded. That is why my entire duty is to know, fear, and obey God.

Solomon processes earthly observations with heavenly wisdom. He factors in the reality of God's holiness and everything falls in place, including human duty to God. God makes everything else make sense.