Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Do Not Enter into the Ear Canal
“Do not enter the canal of the ear.” That’s the “directions” on the box of “Q-Tips” (actually the generic version). That’s also one of the most ignored “instructions” ever! Why? Because sticking it into the ear canal works!
What does this have to do with spiritual things?
Many “misuse” the Bible because “misusing” it works. That’s because if you ignore the real directions, you can still get much benefit. Using the Bible as an “instruction manual” does make some sense, if all we had was Proverbs. But even Proverbs points to a higher purpose.
Ecclesiastes is about a man using life as an “instruction manual” for happiness, and failing. What he says in the end can be hard to understand, but I will share what I think the point is (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
New International Version
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
• Is the Preacher saying obey because that is your duty? While true, I think it is deeper than that.
Christian Standard Bible
When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.
• Is the point God’s instructions are for everyone? Again true, but is that the Preacher’s point?
Literal Standard Version
The end of the whole matter let us hear: “Fear God, and keep His commands, for this [is] the whole of man.
• “This is the whole of man” is literal, but what does that mean?
If I put the literal into a colloquial statement, I think we can see the point: “this makes man whole”.
The Preacher (i.e., writer of Ecclesiastes) knows that fulfillment didn’t come in “sex, drugs, and rock and roll”. The led to emptiness “under the sun”. Purpose comes in fulfilling why and how we are made by God to function. His commandments are for our good, and make us like Him (Matthew 5:48).
Are you feeling like something is missing? Using God’s instructions for a better life will work to some extent, but that is not the deeper purpose. Using God’s word to operate how God wants me to be because he is my Creator and Judge? Now that is following the instructions! And here’s the bonus – I’ll learn happiness like I am meant to. Don’t ignore God’s real instructions!
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