JW Comments

In Ecclesiastes 12:1 I learn that the most important pearl of the chapter is: “Remember your Grand Creator in your youth.” It teaches me that youth is the best time to serve Jehovah. It is when we have the energy, health, and vigor to dedicate our heart, mind, and body to Him. This benefits us by reminding us of the urgency of using this valuable time to serve Jehovah before the days of old age come, which are described very vividly in the following verses. It motivates us to be diligent and not to postpone our dedication to God.

In Ecclesiastes 12:2-5 we are presented with a beautiful poem that describes the ailments of old age. It teaches me that aging is a natural process and that as the years pass, our bodies deteriorate. The “guards of the house” (the arms), the “strong men” (the legs), and the “doors to the street” (the lips) grow weak. This benefits us by reminding us that our life is fleeting and that we must be realistic about our mortality. It motivates us to be thankful for our health and to use it wisely while we can, serving our Creator.

In Ecclesiastes 12:7 there is a pearl of great theological importance: “Then the dust returns to the earth just as it was, and the spirit returns to the true God who gave it.” It teaches me that at death, our body returns to the dust, and our “spirit,” or life force that Jehovah gave us, returns to Him. This benefits us by giving us a clear understanding of what happens at death: there is no conscious life in the afterlife. Our only hope of future life is in the resurrection, which gives us a sense of urgency to serve Jehovah.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13 we have the conclusion of the entire book of Ecclesiastes: “After hearing everything, the conclusion is this: Fear the true God and obey his commandments, for this is everything man must do.” It teaches me that despite the vanities of life, man’s main purpose is a relationship of reverential fear and obedience to Jehovah. This benefits us by helping us have a clear purpose in life. It gives us the perspective that true happiness and the meaning of life are not found in wealth or human wisdom, but in obeying God.

In Ecclesiastes 12:14 I learn the final pearl that summarizes the book: “For the true God will judge every action, including all hidden things, to determine whether they are good or bad.” It teaches me that nothing is hidden from Jehovah. This benefits us by reminding us that hypocrisy is useless, since at the end of our life we will be judged by our actions, even those no one sees. It motivates us to be integrous and to live in a way that pleases Jehovah at all times.