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12 So, son, study these sayings, but be careful about other teachings. People are always writing books, and too much study will make you very tired.

13-14 Now, what should we learn from everything that is written in this book?[a] The most important thing a person can do is to respect God and obey his commands, because he knows about everything people do—even the secret things. He knows about all the good and all the bad, and he will judge people for everything they do.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now … book Literally, “The sum of the matter, when all is heard, is ….”

12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.(A)

13 Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God(B) and keep his commandments,(C)
    for this is the duty of all mankind.(D)
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,(E)
    including every hidden thing,(F)
    whether it is good or evil.

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