But at the end of Ecclesiastes, after much deep reflection and pondering, Solomon did sum things up in this way:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
Also quoted in reply #17. Although as for everyone I hope to encounter him in heaven, in my view this advice coming at the end of a life notorious for its debauchery and apostasy smacks unavoidably of “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.” I don’t buy it from him any more than I did from my father.