A Glorious Duty

Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 

The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails – given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. 

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

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 NIV)

Of making many books, no end.
I’ve added to the pile.
Much study wearies the body,
makes the eyes burn,
but sometimes, just occasionally,
an idea springs forward,
a light,
a beacon.
Fear God.
Keep his commandments.
This is your whole duty.
What a glorious duty it is.

Praise God for life as it comes.
Praise him in sorrow, in joy, in loneliness,
from the masses,
hidden in my closet.
Praise God for giving life meaning
even when it all seems meaningless.

Barbara B. Rollins A Time for Verse - Poetic Ponderings on Ecclesiastes