Topical Bible: Man: The Whole Duty of

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The concept of "the whole duty of man" is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of human purpose and responsibility before God. This theme is most explicitly articulated in the book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher, traditionally understood to be King Solomon, reflects on the meaning of life and the ultimate duty of humanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 : "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

This verse serves as a summation of the Preacher's exploration of life's vanities and the pursuit of wisdom, pleasure, and toil. After examining various aspects of human endeavor, the Preacher concludes that the essence of human duty is twofold: to fear God and to keep His commandments.

Fear of God: The fear of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, signifying a profound reverence and awe for the Creator. It is not merely an emotional response but a foundational attitude that influences one's actions and decisions. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is characterized by a recognition of God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty, leading to a life that honors Him.

Keeping His Commandments: Obedience to God's commandments is a tangible expression of one's fear of the Lord. The commandments, as given in the Torah and expounded upon by Jesus Christ, provide a moral and ethical framework for living a life pleasing to God. Jesus emphasized the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law, stating in Matthew 22:37-40 , "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."

The Role of Faith: While Ecclesiastes focuses on fear and obedience, the New Testament further illuminates the role of faith in fulfilling man's duty. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith in God and His promises is integral to a life that honors Him, as it undergirds both the fear of God and the keeping of His commandments.

The Example of Christ: Jesus Christ exemplifies the perfect fulfillment of man's duty. In His life and ministry, He demonstrated complete obedience to the Father and perfect love for humanity. Philippians 2:8 describes His obedience: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's life serves as the ultimate model for believers, who are called to follow in His footsteps.

The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit: The New Testament also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to fulfill their duty to God. Galatians 5:16 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, producing the fruit of righteousness in their lives.

In summary, the whole duty of man, as presented in Scripture, encompasses a reverent fear of God, obedience to His commandments, faith in His promises, and a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, all modeled after the example of Jesus Christ. This duty is not merely a set of obligations but a holistic way of life that aligns with God's design and purpose for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Preacher as a Man of the Word.
... and well; but, if not, they were not absolved from their duty. ... hast borne me a man
of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth." Gladly ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iv the preacher as.htm

The Conclusion of the Matter
... 13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.14. For ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the conclusion of the matter.htm

George Borrow
... He does not indeed promulgate it as the whole duty of man, though we who have
learned the lesson may think he is apt to over-emphasise it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beeching/george borrow/george borrow.htm

The Misery of Man Without God
... 146. Man is obviously made to think. It is his whole dignity and his whole
merit; and his whole duty is to think as he ought. Now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ii the misery of.htm

Letter ix. Religious Culture and Duty.
... upon the vicissitudes of human life: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.". ...
/.../letter ix religious culture and.htm

The Work of Our Sanctification.
... This is so clearly explained in Holy Scripture that there can be no doubt about
it: "Fear God and keep the commandments, this is the whole duty of man" ( ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section iii the work of our.htm

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... to a Christian man, and yet all those things are contained in this one thing, that
is, love. He lappeth up all things in love. Our whole duty is contained in ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

Introduction
... soundness and vigour of the heart, and the everlasting state of the whole man upon
the ... I say constant, for the reason added in the text extends the duty to all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/introduction.htm

How, While the Whole Heart is Employed in Sacred Love, yet one May ...
... is all to one, is not contrary to the duty by which a ... Man gives himself wholly by
love, and gives himself as much ... and not in part, since he is a whole that has ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii how while the.htm

Introductory Note to Clement of Alexandria
... But a code of Christian morals and manners (a sort of "whole duty of man" and manual
of good breeding combined) was eminently needed by those whose habits and ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/introductory note to clement of.htm