Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 12.
Should we remember God before our eyes grow dim, before the silver cord possibly holding body and soul together or perhaps our spinal cord is broken, and our bodies return to dust?
Remember your creator in your prime, before the days of trouble arrive, and those years, about which you’ll say, “I take no pleasure in these”—before the sun and the light grow dark, the moon and the stars too, before the clouds return after the rain; on the day when the housekeepers tremble and the strong men stoop; when the women who grind stop working because they’re so few, and those who look through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are shut, when the sound of the mill fades, the sound of the bird rises, and all the singers come down low; when people are afraid of things above and of terrors along the way; when the almond tree blanches, the locust droops, and the caper-berry comes to nothing; when the human goes to the eternal abode, with mourners all around in the street; before the silver cord snaps and the gold bowl shatters; the jar is broken at the spring and the wheel is crushed at the pit; before dust returns to the earth as it was before and the life-breath returns to God who gave it. (Ecc 12:1-7 CEB)
What are words of wisdom like and how important are they compared to any other teachings?
I was a wise teacher with much understanding, and I collected a number of proverbs that I had carefully studied. Then I tried to explain these things in the best and most accurate way. Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from a shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together. My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these. There is no end to books, and too much study will wear you out. (Ecc 12:9-12 CEV)
What is the whole duty of mankind? Who will judge everyone?
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc 12:13-14 ESV)
In one sense has judgement already begun and who is facing that judgment?
For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 HCSB)
Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? You decide!
