Nov 11 – The Conclusion of the Matter!

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

There was never anyone as wise as Solomon. When he humbled himself before God and asked, “Lord, grant me wisdom,” the Lord graciously gave him exceptional wisdom (James 1:5). Today, the same Lord is willing to give us wisdom as well.

The wise man Solomon, who wrote Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes, carefully examined all things — both worldly knowledge and spiritual truths — and came to this final conclusion: Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the duty of every man.

Fear can be of two kinds: the fear of man, and the fear of God.

The fear of man brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25). Some fear death; some fear persons in authority; others fear evil spirits. Such fears enslave a person and, ultimately, lead them to share in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8).

But the fear of God protects us from sin and keeps us in holiness. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” (Proverbs 8:13) What was the secret behind Joseph’s decision to flee from sin? It was his fear of God (Genesis 39:9). He knew that God was watching him with love and mercy and thought, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

Because Joseph feared God, he was richly blessed. In Egypt, he was exalted and highly honoured. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord prolongs days.” (Proverbs 10:27). The one who fears the Lord is steadfast in heart and bold as a lion. He will not tremble before men.

Look at Daniel. He feared God and lived uprightly. When the officials sought to find fault with him, they passed a decree forbidding prayer. Yet Daniel was unafraid of the king’s law and undisturbed by the lions’ den. The Scripture says:

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:26–27)

Dear child of God, the one who fears the Lord will endure forever.

Verse for further meditation: “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.” (Ecclesiastes 8:12)