(12.) But for the rest (repeating the formula of verse 9, and hence a further extension of the same idea), from them (emphatic, ‘but for anything else that these wise words can do’ is the meaning) my son, be admonished: makings of books (ספרים used for the sake of the alliteration with אספות above) the many (i.e. too many) is nothing of an end (i.e. gives no result) and study (להג occurs here only, LXX. μελέτη) the much (too much) wearies (compare chapter i. 8) the flesh. (Thus even wisdom itself is no cure for the ills of humanity. The catalogue of human ills and the instances of human evanescence would form too large a volume for humanity to master, so that in this case also the world itself would not contain the books which should be written. The grand result of all however is easily obtained, and follows.)
13 ¶ [¹]Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
[¹] Or, The end of the matter, even all that hath been heard, is.
The end of the matter, even all that hath been heard, is this: With regard to the Almighty, fear him; and with regard also to his commandments, keep them, for this is everything to humanity.
(13.) The conclusion (compare chapter iii. 11, vii. 2) of the word (i.e. the final reason), the whole (with article in its usual sense), is heard (niphal), with respect to the Deity, fear; and with respect to his commandments, keep (notice the emphatic את, which, however, the LXX. do not render by σὺν, because the article and position give the emphasis required) for this is all the man (i.e. the whole duty, happiness, etc., of humanity).
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
For with respect to every act, the Almighty will bring to adjustment all that is mysterious, whether it be a good or an evil.