The Conclusion of the Matter
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
 

1. The Editor Assures You of The Preacher's Wisdom
   1. We Don't Know Who this Editor Is.
      1. (But we don't know who The Preacher is, either)
      2. Clearly, though, this is a different voice from the one that just got done speaking.
      3. The editor signals this change by inserting "says The Preacher" in the final verse of The Preacher's discourse (just as he signaled his presence from the beginning in 1:2)
   2. But His Purpose Is Clear: To Urge You Not to Discount What You've Just Read
      1. People want very much to ignore this book's message
         1. The history of the interpretation of this book is one of people saying, "It doesn't really mean what it says."
         2. Many suggest that the book is the sinner's perspective on life
         3. Some say it is true but only for the unbeliever
         4. Both views were refuted in the introduction to this study.
         5. But a new view has come to my attention
            1. Tremper Longman III suggests that this epilogue warns you not to trust anything The Preacher says.
            2. This is perverse in my opinion; as though the whole book is a setup for the sick punchline, "Just kidding, folks!"
            3. But Longman's view illustrates how far some people are willing to go not to take The Preacher's message to heart.
      2. This epilogue exists to goad you into taking the message seriously by parading before you The Preacher's credentials, praising his wisdom, and, in effect, declaring him the final word in Wisdom literature.
      3. The Preacher's Credentials
         1. The Preacher taught the people knowledge and set in order many proverbs (9)
         2. He sought to find acceptable and true words (10)
         3. His words are like goads or nails - they sting but they ring true (11)
         4. And they come from God (11)
      4. The Preacher's Place in the History of Revelation
         1. "Be warned, my son, of anything beyond these"
            1. Not "And further, my son, be admonished…."
            2. The editor is saying be on your guard against anything beyond these words you've just read.
            3. These are the final words that wisdom has to offer.
         2. This is the last book of Wisdom literature to be written.
         3. The Preacher has written himself out of a job by showing the futility of wisdom
         4. Wisdom can't take us any farther; and it doesn't take us far enough.
         5. Don't wear yourself out trying to go farther with this genre (12)
            1. Of the making of many books there is no end and much study wearies the body
            2. They can write a thousand more books, but the state of wisdom won't advance beyond what's offered here.
            3. We don't need more wisdom; we need the power of an indestructible life.
            4. Note how John redeems this image in John 21:25 - But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
            5. Once a new kind of revelation comes, a revelation of God in his Son with power, then the idea of making many books becomes a sheer delight. And there's always more to say.
   3. What Does It All Add Up To? (13,14)
      1. Fear God and keep his commandments
         1. This is it.
         2. This is not just as far as Wisdom literature can take you; it's as far as the whole Old Testament can take you.
         3. If you've tried and failed to keep God's commandments, you need a greater conclusion which is found only in Christ.
         4. But as far as it goes, he's saying don't be fooled by appearances
            1. The wicked may prosper for awhile in this topsy turvy world
            2. Don't let that distract you from the fear of God and obedience.
      2. Because this applies to everyone
         1. The things he said previously didn't always apply to everyone
            1. Ecc 3:13
            2. Ecc 5:18
            3. Ecc 8:14
            4. etc.
         2. But this is true for everyone.
         3. All men must seek to do good works in the knowledge of a coming judgment.
      3. And - contrary to appearances which The Preacher himself has lamented - God will bring every act to judgment
         1. Hidden things will come to light
            1. The wicked who seemed blessed by God will be shown for what they truly are
            2. The righteous who seemed blessed by God will be shown for what they truly are
         2. Romans 2:16 - on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.
         3. 1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.
      4. The conclusion, like the whole book, points to our need for Christ
         1. This life is not all there is. There will be a judgment
         2. Therefore all our acts must be righteous
         3. With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Go back to Week 13a (11:7 - 12:8)

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