The conclusion of the whole matter; or, the whole duty of man.
I. THE ESSENCE OF IT.
1. The fear of God. Not servile or guilty, but
2. The service of God. Not that merely of external worship (Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 96:9; Hebrews 10:25), but that of inward devotion (John 4:24), which expresses itself in the homage of the heart and life, or in the keeping of God's commandments—in particular of the three named by the Preacher, charity, industry, hilarity (Cox).
II. THE REASON OF IT. The certainty of judgment.
1. By God. He is the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25); the Judge of all (Hebrews 12:28), who will yet judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31).
2. In the future. Not merely here upon the earth, but also hereafter in the world to come (Daniel 7:10; Matthew 11:22; Matthew 16:27; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:1).
3. Of works, Not of nations or communities, but of individuals (Mark 8:38; Romans 2:5, Romans 2:6); not of open actions merely, but of secret things as well (Luke 12:2; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 4:5); not of good deeds only, but also of evil (2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Peter 2:9).