“This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

After all the searching, the questions about the meaning of life, and the exploration of human existence, the writer of Ecclesiastes distills it all into this single conclusion. It’s a passage that speaks directly to the heart of what it means to live a life rooted in faith.

Over the years a lot of people have asked me if the phrase to “fear God” means living in terror or dread of of the Lord. The fear spoken of here and certain other passages of the Bible refers to a deep reverence and awe for the Creator, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things. I like to think of it as recognizing that God is both loving and just, all-powerful and merciful, and that our lives are ultimately accountable to Him. Fearing God means living with a sense of holy respect, knowing that He sees not only our outward actions but also the motives of our hearts. And it isn’t enough to simply acknowledge God’s authority; we must live in accordance with His will. His commandments, which are rooted in love, justice, and truth, provide the moral framework by which we are to live. Obedience to God is not about following a rigid set of rules for the sake of it; it’s about aligning our lives with His wisdom and understanding that His commands are given for our good.

The fact that “God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” is a sobering thought. Nothing man does can escape God’s notice. If we think otherwise, we are arrogant and ignorant. Every action, every thought, every hidden motive—whether seen by others or kept in the secret places of our hearts—will be brought to light before Him. For some, this might bring fear, but for those who strive to live according to His commandments, it should bring us comfort. God’s judgment is not arbitrary or unjust; it is perfect and rooted in His righteousness.

In the world around us people are more focused on the pursuit of pleasure, success, and personal gain. Our purpose in life is not to chase after things that quickly fade away or live according to our own desires. The whole duty of man is to live in reverence for Almighty God and to walk in His ways. When we do this, we find meaning, fulfillment, and the peace that comes from knowing we are living according to His design.

As I reflect on this passage, it serves as a reminder to me to examine my own life. I ask myself, am I living with a holy fear of God? Am I keeping His commandments in both my actions and in the hidden places of my heart? Ultimately, this passage is a call to live with true integrity, to seek His will in all things, and to remember that, in the light of eternity, every moment matters. This has always been one of my favorite passages because it serves as a guiding principle for life: Fear God. Keep His commandments. This is our whole duty. It’s a simple, yet profound truth that provides direction and purpose in a world that only provides confusion and chaos. And, when we live by it, we find ourselves walking in step with the One who knows and loves us best.