I invite you to open a Bible to Ecclesiastes and to read the twelfth chapter on your own, taking a moment to reflect on the text in silence.

The last chapter of Ecclesiastes is the culmination of the major points that Solomon has been making throughout the book. To remember God in youth and prosperity is the intended result of telling the reader that all under the sun is vanity. By looking to Him in while in the midst of worldly joys, one will not be caught up in a hedonistic life. Solomon’s direct command at the beginning of the chapter is a deliberate attempt to reach some of his readers that may not have internalized the rest of the book. The wisdom in Ecclesiastes is for those in good times and bad, in youth and old age. It is uncommon for young people that are enjoying life to seek wisdom on their own initiative, so Solomon calls to them as a father does to his children. The parallel relationship between father/son and teacher/student is seen in verse twelve of this chapter.

It is important to wrestle with one’s death during youth instead of waiting to think about mortality until some external circumstance prompts reflection. Solomon’s list of images invoking the end of life should wake the reader from their stupor. Life with a view of death is lived very differently than without, and knowing that this life under the sun is finite leads to a great deal of wisdom. We are dust and spirit and will return to the dust when it is our time.

The final section of the book gives insight into reading scripture and receiving wisdom generally. Because fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, this section could not have been at the beginning of the book; one’s first read of Ecclesiastes is meant to be uncomfortable and jarring before offering comfort in God. Now that the reader has the proper perspective and is able to discern what is under the sun and what is above, Solomon gives advice for continuing to seek wisdom. A hallmark of true wisdom is that it pokes and prods the learner in God’s direction. How often have you heard something that you know to be true, but do not want to accept? How much advice have you heard repeatedly but struggle to enact? Becoming wise is slow and there are many false sources of knowledge.

The last two verses are the most important in the book because they point to the rest of scripture. The command to keep God’s commandments is everywhere in both the Old Testament and the New. Lifelong Christians will know that it is impossible to do so perfectly, turning this passage into a reminder of the Gospel. Our imperfection in fulfilling the only duty given to humans is devastating, but faith in God’s grace grants us salvation. All of Ecclesiastes points to this passage, so the entire book is preparation for the reception of the Gospel. Reading the New Testament in light of Ecclesiastes will bear much fruit.

Now that we have reached the end of the book, I encourage you to maintain this habit of devotion elsewhere in scripture. This week, ponder your next journey in the Bible. How can Solomon’s wisdom be used to better understand God’s plan for humanity?