Ecclesiastes 12:10-14 “The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Having gleaned sufficient information through personal experience, Solomon realized that it was time to hear, consider, and pay attention to the undeniable facts of life; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). While it is a single discovery, it reveals two divine truths! The first truth is that happiness, satisfaction, and the sense of self-worth cannot be found in the temporal attractions of this world! Solomon had tried all the world had to offer and concluded by saying; “vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The words “vanity” and “vanities” mean emptiness or to be void. Life lived for one’s self is totally empty and void of meaning! The second truth revolves around the real meaning and purpose of man’s existence which Solomon expresses in the phrase, “the whole duty of man.” The phrase has reference to anything and everything in human life. The real meaning of life is found in a divine person to be revered, “Fear God” and divine precepts to be regarded, “keep his commandments.” Man only begins to live when Eloheem, the Supreme God of the universe is given a proper place in our heart and life. That life is then perpetuated by living in accordance to the ordinances, laws, and precepts that that God has decreed! This is what Solomon discovered! What is so disturbing about Solomon’s day of discovery is that it came at the conclusion of his life rather than earlier! These words were not written in his youth, but in the twilight years when life was coming to a close. The question that must concern us is “When will be your day of discovery?” Will you follow Solomon’s advice or his example?