“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let me give you a little front-porch truth this morning.

Solomon had tried it all. Wealth. Wisdom. Work. Wine. Women. Building projects. Influence. If Amazon had been around back then, he could’ve bought it. If social media had existed, he would’ve trended every day. And after all of it—after the applause faded and the parties ended—he came to one simple conclusion.

Fear God.

Keep His commandments.

That’s it.

Isn’t it amazing how we complicate what God has made simple?

We think life is about climbing higher, earning more, proving something, being seen, being validated. But Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said, “Let me save you some time. Here’s the whole matter.”

Reverence God.

Obey God.

Not because He’s harsh—but because He’s holy.

Not because He’s distant—but because He’s good.

When you fear God, you put Him in His rightful place.

When you keep His commandments, your life finds its rightful path.

And here’s the beautiful part: a life centered on God is never wasted. It may not always be flashy. It may not always be loud. But it will be steady. It will be anchored. It will matter.

So today, before you chase another thing, make sure you’re chasing the right One.

Fear God.

Walk with Him.

Obey Him.

That’s not a small life.

That’s the whole life.