Ecclesiastes 12:13

"This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man."

"QUOD ERAT DEMONSTRANDUM"

Solomon here gives us the final and authoritative conclusion of his thorough and extensive search for the answer to the question, "What is good for man"? In the same manner that one may prove a theorem in geometry, he has here come to the Q.E.D. In this glorious conclusion, he lays down the gauntlet, raises the white flag, and surrenders. "The worldly wisdom of Solomon ends with his submission to the power of God."[45] "These final two verses guard against any possible misconception; and they give the author's real and mature conclusion."[46]

"Fear God and keep his commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). Yes, GOD IS, and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Furthermore, he has given commandments which men are obligated to honor and obey. Indeed, THERE IS A DIVINE REVELATION FROM GOD. Here is Solomon's witness to the existence and authority of the Law of Moses, because nothing else in the entire history of mankind ever even pretended to be the authentic Word of God.

"This is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). The word duty here is not in the the Hebrew text of the O.T. and has been added by the translators; and the passage may be read as, the whole of man. Grieve found the words every man in this verse;[47] and this is honored by a footnote in the RSV which translates: "This is the duty of every man."[48] Indeed it is true, regardless of the translation here. Even the Anchor Bible got back in line with this rendition: "The sum of the matter when all has been heard is this: Reverence God, and observe his laws. This applies to everything."[49]

The whole business and the whole purpose, and the whole intent of God's placing man upon the earth (the whole of man) - all that concerns man is summed up here. Fear God and obey him! "All other things, as stated again and again in Ecclesiastes, are dependent upon a Higher Incomprehensible Being."[50] This is the Higher Intelligence, the Creator, the First Cause - He is God!

"The fear and obedience of God are still the basic requirements of man's behavior, and God will hold him accountable for his actions."[51]