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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
12:8-14 Final Conclusion and Epilogue. The Preacher restates his claim that all is "vanity" (v. 8; cf. 1:2). The epilogue affirms the wisdom of the Preacher by pointing out the care which he took in writing (12:9-10), summons the reader to pay careful attention to the words of the wise (vv. 11-12), and summarizes the overall message of the book (vv. 13-14).
12:11 The words of the wise are like goads, i.e., they help guide one along the proper path. (A "goad" is a long, pointed stick used for prodding and guiding oxen while plowing.) Moreover, the words of the wise provide moral and intellectual stability like nails firmly fixed. Ultimately, such wisdom is given by one Shepherd, God (see Introduction: Author, Title, and Date).
12:13-14 The Preacher has already pointed out the need to fear God (see the notes on 3:14 and 5:7) and to keep his commandments (cf. 5:4-6; 7:17-18). The whole duty of man thus involves genuine faith in God, as well as works, which are the inevitable result of true faith (cf. James 2:14, 17, 26). God will bring every deed into judgment (cf. Eccles. 11:9), thus the importance of obeying his commands.
