Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Christian Standard Bible

The Teacher’s Objectives and Conclusion

⁹ In addition to the Teacher being a wise man, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs.^{(A) 10} The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately. ¹¹ The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods,^(B) and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails.^(C) The sayings are given by one Shepherd.^[a]

¹² But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books,^(D) and much study wearies the body.^{(E) 13} When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God^(F) and keep his commands, because this is for all^[b] humanity.^{(G) 14} For God will bring every act to judgment,^(H) including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.