Six verses before the end the tone shifts abruptly. Beginning with the words "and moreover," a second voice takes over. [[Isaac Asimov]] notes that this second writer is "apparently appalled at the pessimism of the Preacher" and tries to finish up in a way that does not contradict the Preacher or deny his wisdom, yet is less negative in tone. He does seem to suggest that there is a danger in being overly intellectual: "by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." (Ecc 12:12) In a summary that does not really seem to summarize the Preacher's words, he says: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." | Six verses before the end the tone shifts abruptly. Beginning with the words "and moreover," a second voice takes over. [[Isaac Asimov]] notes that this second writer is "apparently appalled at the pessimism of the Preacher" and tries to finish up in a way that does not contradict the Preacher or deny his wisdom, yet is less negative in tone. He does seem to suggest that there is a danger in being overly intellectual: "by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." (Ecc 12:12) In a summary that does not really seem to summarize the Preacher's words, he says: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." |