1/13/26

Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 NASB95 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

You know God makes things so simple for us and yet we continually add to it.

I mean we are saved by Grace through faith. However, we attempt to add works. Then, when we add works we have to figure out how much to add, and we continually make it more and more complicated.

God said, in Genesis 2, Eat from all, except don't eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Very simple, eat any you want, but just don't eat this one.

Then, in the next chapter, man has added to it. Don't eat and don't touch this one.

Man always thinks it should be harder than it is, and in turn, man makes it harder on himself.

God's word is very full, and there is an immeasurable amount to learn from it. These things we learn are used to guide us as our text reveals. It is much like a prod or painful stick used to shepherd us in obedience. These are very helpful, and we should use them, but we must be cautious, as we can stray outside His word in search of more wisdom, which can make us weary. That is, if we put too much time and effort into the search and the application of knowledge, then we tend to make obedience to it our God. God is God. Nothing else is God including our obedience to Him. While obedience is right and important it is not God. If we make it God we add to Salvation our own works. Scripture tells us in Proverbs 9:10 NASB95 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

We must and need to dig deep into the Word of God and all answers are found there. The answer is clear. Fear God. Fear God. Fear God. Fear God. This is to have a complete awe, of God. It is to be fully respectful of Him, that is to love Him above all because He first loved you. Lastly, it is to truly fear Him and His might. When you do this then you will be obedient not because it provides Salvation, but because you truly fear the Lord. You know that all is known to Him and you desire to please Him. Not out of fear but out of love because you have a fear of Him.

That is wisdom and it is simple.

No need to complicate that!

Love Bro. Scott