In some of Solomon’s last words in the book of Ecclesiastes, he writes in 12:13, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
In the twelve chapters leading up to these last words, Solomon talked about how he had it all. He was the richest man in the country. He had the most pleasure attainable. He was the most famous person of his time. People came from all over the world to talk to him. He had endless possessions, parties, and alcohol. In short, he had it all!
Yet in the midst of having everything possible, from a worldly standpoint, he says time after time that it did not satisfy. The money, the women, the fame… all left him with nothing. It was a chasing after the wind.
Yet in his very last words of the book, he concludes what is most important. After trying it all, he decides that fearing God is what is what is the most important thing in life.
Many scholars believe that Solomon is writing this book at the end of his life. He started out life in a positive direction but then drifted (to put it kindly) away from God later on. While scripture does not make it clear, it is possible that he turned back to God near the end of his life. With perspective and time, he was able to say, “The most important thing is to fear God.”
What does it mean to fear God? “Fearing God” not to be afraid of him, at least in the sense of how you were afraid of a monster under your bed when you were a child. To fear him means that you have a “deep, heartfelt belief in who God is.”
When you fear God, you understand that he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You understand that he created this world and holds it together. You understand that he is the one who will one day judge the world. You understand that he is the one who deserves all the glory and praise in your life.
So when Solomon says to “fear God,” he doesn’t want you to run FROM him (in fear), he wants you to run TO him (in fear).
I love Psalm 84:10, written by the Sons of Korah. They write, “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
I don’t know how the sons of Korah are, but let me tell you: they “got” it! They knew there was no where better to be than with God. They would rather be a SERVANT peering in to the God’s court than to be a successful person in the tents of the wicked. They feared God!
What about you? Do you get it? Do you fear God? Do you aim for God’s presence? Or are you happy in the tents of the wicked? The answer to this question is so important and will determine the direction of your life.