The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon toward the end of his life. In chapter 12 verse 13, he sums up the meaning of life with this profound statement: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” This verse provides critical insight into how we should live in order to fulfill God’s purposes.
To truly understand this verse, we must examine what it means to “fear God” and “keep His commandments.”
Fearing God
The fear of God can be understood in two ways – a holy reverence and awe of who God is, as well as a healthy fear of the consequences of disobeying Him. When we have a proper fear of God, we recognize His power, holiness, and justice. We understand that He is righteous in all His ways and worthy of our worship and obedience. A holy fear motivates us to live in accordance with His will and purpose for our lives (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7).
At the same time, the fear of God also involves an awareness that there are consequences for sin and rebellion against Him. Just as a loving parent disciplines a disobedient child, God will judge and correct those who disregard His commands. The prophet Isaiah expressed, “My heart pounded in fear. I trembled all over. I stumbled along like a drunkard…for the Lord Almighty is about to come down and crush them” (Isaiah 21:3-4). When we lose our reverence for God, we open ourselves up to His correction.
Therefore, a healthy fear of God is a balance between profound awe and respect, as well as an awareness of the consequences of living in opposition to Him. As John Piper explains, we should feel both “a sovereign, all-controlling, all-governing, terrifying reverence” and a “sweet, satisfying, liberating fear” for God at the same time. When we hold this tension, it produces both worship and obedience.
Keeping God’s Commandments
The second part of Solomon’s admonition is that we must keep God’s commandments. To “keep” His commandments means to guard, protect, and observe them diligently. God has communicated His moral law to us in His written Word. We keep His commandments not legalistically or begrudgingly, but out of love and devotion to Him.
The Ten Commandments provide a foundation for how God wants us to live (Exodus 20:1-17). Beyond those laws, Jesus summarized all of God’s moral commands into two overarching principles – to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Everything else flows out of these two core values. As we obey God’s ethical standards, it affects every area of our lives – how we treat others, conduct business, steward our resources, express our sexuality, and more.
Through faith in Christ, we receive forgiveness and the power to overcome sin. But this does not negate our responsibility to uphold God’s commandments. As an act of worship, we aim to align our thoughts, words, and deeds with His will. We do this not to earn salvation, but because we already have salvation freely by grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Keeping God’s commandments includes both avoiding what is evil and actively pursuing what is good. There are sins we must abstain from, and Christlike virtues we must cultivate. As Paul wrote, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). When we walk in obedience to God’s commands, it leads to blessing in our lives and honors Him.
Obedience Flows from Reverence
Putting these two aspects together, we see that fearing God and keeping His commandments are integrally connected. Our awe of who God is leads to obeying what God says. J.I. Packer states, “It appears plainly that fear of God generates obedience to God.” Reverence for the Creator produces corresponding actions from the creature made in His image.
In contrast, those who do not truly revere God will not faithfully keep His commandments. A low view of God leads to a low view of His moral law. Those who do not respect His authority will quickly disregard His standards for right living. Obedience flows from a proper fear of the Lord.
The Whole Duty of Man
After articulating these responsibilities toward God, Solomon concludes that this is the “duty of all mankind.” Regardless of nationality, age, gender, or social status, revering God and keeping His commandments applies universally. It sums up the very purpose for which God put human beings on the earth.
Sadly, ever since Adam and Eve rebelled in the Garden of Eden, humanity has shirked this sacred duty. We have gone our own way, followed our sinful desires, and thumbed our noses at God’s wise boundaries (Romans 3:23). Even those who recognize God’s existence choose to worship idols or themselves instead of giving Him the honor due His name.
Nonetheless, loving God through worship and loving others through obedience remain the highest priorities. All people still have a moral obligation before their Creator to live according to His design. No other philosophy or worldview provides such clarity into the meaning of human existence.
The Path to Life
While fearing God and keeping His commandments is the duty of all people, tragically many reject their responsibility. Yet for those who embrace it, this simple framework provides the path to blessing:
- It brings security – When we reverence God, we recognize He is in control amid life’s uncertainties. We can take refuge in Him.
- It brings guidance – God’s moral law shows the way to live wisely and avoid harm.
- It brings purpose – Fulfilling the purpose for which we were created gives life meaning.
- It brings reward – God blesses and honors those who seek to please Him.
- It brings relationship – Our covenant God desires fellowship with the worshipers He created.
In the end, fearing God and keeping His commandments comes down to a posture of humility before our Maker. Do we try to live life our own way while ignoring the One who gave us life? Or do we submit to Him, trusting that His design is good? Wise is the man or woman who fears the Lord and walks in His ways (Psalm 112:1).
While God’s laws can seem confining to some, in reality they lead to freedom and blessing when followed. We must regularly examine ourselves in light of Scripture to ensure we are upholding our duty before God. Reverence toward our Creator will transform how we treat others made in His image. When we wholeheartedly embrace this calling, it brings purpose and leads us down the path of life.