Ecclesiastes 12:12-13
What is written? (ESV)
My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
What does it say?
Be warned, my son, of anything added to them [wise sayings of the Teacher]. There is no end to the making of books, and their study wearies the body. Having heard everything, I have concluded that it is enough for man to only fear God and keep his commandments.
What is its immediate context?
A book of wisdom from “the Preacher” (many believe to be Solomon). The very wise and wealthy “Preacher”, having done all things “under the sun”, shares his treatise on life and worldly pursuits – it is all vanity.
How Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 is applied across Bible answers
Does Bible interpretation require special training?
We are warned specifically regarding the study of God's word not to add anything to it, namely, "many books."
What is required to understand the Bible?
Earthly knowledge ("many books") is put at odds with God's word, which, it's concluded, is independently self-sufficient for man's "whole duty".
