The End of the Matter
My topic this evening is the end of the matter. And the best way to start is simply with this: the end.
Most things in life have an end. Every movie or TV show we watch has an ending. Novels conclude with “The End.” Every song fades out or closes on a final note. Our education has an end when we finish school. In our culture, turning 18 marks the end of adolescence.
We even have sayings about endings:
All good things must come to an end. Call it a day. Throw in the towel. Turn the page. Bite the dust. Pull the plug. Kick the bucket. Hang it up. It ran its course.
But “the end” can also mean purpose. We ask, “to what end?” or “for this end.” Paul used this language in 2 Corinthians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Whatever the nuance, the idea is the same: things last until they don’t. Everything has an end.
Genesis 1:1 begins with creation. But 2 Peter 3:10–11 tells us the heavens and earth will come to an end. For most of us, that end is death and judgment (Hebrews 9:27). For those alive when Christ returns, that day will still bring an end as everything is changed.
Ecclesiastes often reflects on endings. Chapter 3 says there is a time to be born and a time to die. Chapter 7:8 says, “Better is the end of a matter than the beginning.” At the very close of the book, Solomon gives his conclusion:
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:13–14
Solomon’s Life and Regret
When we read Ecclesiastes, it’s hard not to sense regret. Solomon had wisdom, riches, power, and opportunity. God promised him great blessing if he walked faithfully (1 Kings 9), and gave him unmatched wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34). Yet in spite of his wisdom, Solomon turned away from God. He loved foreign wives who led him into idolatry (1 Kings 11). His heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord.
Looking back, Solomon recognized that his pursuits—wealth, pleasure, power, knowledge—were vanity. They did not provide lasting meaning. And so, near the end of his life, he wrote Ecclesiastes as a reflection: everything under the sun is temporary. Only God endures.
Lessons from Ecclesiastes 12
In the final chapter, Solomon gives three key truths:
1. Past Pursuits Are Vanity
Solomon pursued everything people think will bring fulfillment. Yet his conclusion was clear: “All is vanity.” Work, riches, power, even knowledge—none of it has eternal value apart from God. We should ask ourselves: do I look back on parts of my life and realize they were wasted on vanity?
2. Present Purpose: Fear God and Keep His Commandments
Our purpose is not complicated: fear God and keep His commandments. This fear is not terror, but reverence and awe. God, as Creator, Redeemer, and Judge, deserves our worship, obedience, and respect.
Obedience is not legalism—it is love. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). John added, “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Keeping God’s commands flows from our devotion to Him.
3. Future Reality: Judgment
Every deed—seen or hidden—will be brought into judgment. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” Nothing escapes God’s notice. This truth should both sober and motivate us.
The Whole of Man
Solomon’s words can be translated: “This is the whole of man.” Our very essence and purpose are found in fearing God and keeping His commandments. Whatever your role in life—parent, child, worker, leader—this is your calling. Jesus summarized it: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
When all is said and done, this is what matters: did I fear God and keep His commandments? That is the end of the matter.
