Ecclesiastes, 12
13. The last word, when all is heard: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man's all;
13. The last word, when all is heard: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man's all;
Ecclesiastes chapter 12 presents a reflection on old age, death and the importance of fear of God. The author points out that youth and health are fleeting and that in the end all men die. He urges the reader to remember the Creator while he is still young and preparing for death day. Following are five verses related to the topics addressed in Ecclesiastes 12:
Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to tell our days, that we may reach wise heart." The author of Ecclesiastes highlights the importance of recognizing the brevity of life and enjoying the time we have. This verse of Psalm 90 also emphasizes the need to remember that our life is fleeting and seeking wisdom.
Job 14:5: "If your days are determined, if the number of your months is with you, and if you have boundaries you cannot pass." Ecclesiastes also talks about human life to have a limit established by God. This verse of Job emphasizes the idea that the duration of human life is finite and under God's control.
Hebrews 9:27: "And as men are ordered to die once, after that the judgment." The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the inevitability of death. This verse of Hebrews points out that we all die once and then face God's judgment.
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we all need to be manifest before the court of Christ, that each one receives what he did through the body, according to what he practiced, good or evil." Ecclesiastes encourages to fear God and remember Him while we are young. This verse of 2 Corinthians highlights the need to live fairly and being responsible for our actions, knowing that one day we will account before God.
Luke 12:20: "But God said unto him, Foolish, tonight shall your soul ask you; and what do you have prepared, who will it be for?" Ecclesiastes urges the reader to remember the Creator while he is still young and preparing for the day of death. This verse of Luke emphasizes the importance of being prepared for death at any moment, for we do not know when it will come.
“O grau sublime da humildade é não só reconhecer a abnegação, mas amá-la.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
