Reading
Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

8“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher.

“All is vanity!”

9Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. 11The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

13This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.


Devotional

We have finally reached that point where Ecclesiastes comes together. We see why the author went so far in his assertions that everything is meaningless. We had to understand that, apart from a relationship with God, everything truly feels empty. Remember those times where you have tried to live life for yourself. Remember what it was like when you relied on your own power. Remember those times where you sought to serve something or someone other than God. Remember them, allow God to speak truth, love, and forgiveness into your life, and go on from this point living for God.

Fear God and obey his commands, both in the presence of people and in the quiet of your own home. Let God be completely present in your life today, transforming you from the inside out. Remember who he is, what it was like when you first realized the LORD loves you, and remember that his unfathomable love for you is as strong as it ever was. You are loved beyond understanding by a God who is beyond compare. 

Ecclesiastes is one of those books that might cause you to wonder why it says what it does at points but its author acknowledges here that speaking truth to people is sometimes complicated and even painful. Yet hear this truth: God loves you and desires a powerful relationship with you. Seek God and find true fulfillment in this life and the next.