Our Whole Obligation to God

15. (a) How would you express Solomon’s words about “the whole obligation of man”? (b) What must we do if we are to fulfill our obligation to God?

¹⁵ Summing up his entire investigation, the congregator, Solomon, says: “The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.

(Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14) A wholesome fear of, or reverential regard for, our Grand Creator will protect us, and hopefully our families, from pursuing a foolhardy course of life that could bring untold trouble and sorrow upon us and our loved ones. The wholesome fear of God is pure and is the very beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Psalm 19:9; Proverbs 1:7) If we possess insight based on God’s inspired Word and apply its counsel in all things, we will be fulfilling our “whole obligation” to God. No, it is not a matter of making a list of obligations. Rather, what is required is that we look to the Scriptures when resolving life’s problems and always do things God’s way.

But the greatest incentive should be love for our heavenly Father, for the apostle John wrote: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) And since God’s commandments are designed to promote our lasting welfare, surely it is not only proper but also truly wise to observe them. This is no burden for lovers of the Grand Creator. They want to fulfill their obligation to him.

Fulfill Your Whole Obligation

17. What will we do if we really want to fulfill our whole obligation to God?

¹⁷ If we are wise and truly desire to fulfill our whole obligation to God, besides keeping his commandments, we will have a reverential fear of displeasing him. Indeed, “the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom,” and those observing his commandments have “good insight.” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7) Let us therefore act wisely and obey Jehovah in all things. Especially is this vital now, for the King Jesus Christ is present, and the day of judgment by him as God’s appointed Judge is near.​—Matthew 24:3; 25:31, 32.

18. What will be the outcome for us if we fulfill our whole obligation to Jehovah God?

¹⁸ Each one of us is now under divine scrutiny. Are we spiritually inclined, or have worldly influences been allowed to weaken our relationship with God? (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 John 2:15-17) Whether young or old, let us do all we can to please our Grand Creator. If we obey Jehovah and keep his commandments, we will reject the vain things of the passing old world. Then we can entertain the hope of everlasting life in God’s promised new system of things. (2 Peter 3:13) What grand prospects these are for all who fulfill their whole obligation to God!