Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity (futility).” [Eccl 1:2; Rom 8:20] Furthermore, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; and he pondered and searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words, even to write correctly words of truth. The words of the wise are like [prodding] goads, and these collected sayings are [firmly fixed in the mind] like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. [Ezek 37:24] But beyond this my son, [about going further than the words given by one Shepherd], be warned: the writing of many books is endless [so do not believe everything you read], and excessive study and devotion to books is wearying to the body. When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, every hidden and secret thing, whether it is good or evil. [Matt 12:36; Acts 17:30, 31; Rom 2:16; 1 Cor 4:5]