Ecclesiastes 12:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

on the contrary, to assure ourselves that all will face judgment in due time, and each individual will receive recompense for their actions, whether righteous or wicked.

The resurrection is assured not solely for the martyrs but for all humanity, both just and unjust, both devout and wicked, so that each individual may be rewarded based on their deeds. For it is written, "For every work, God will bring to judgment; and every secret thing, whether it be good or bad."

God is enduring, yet He is also righteous. Although His judgment may not always be apparent, it ultimately touches every sinner, sometimes arriving late, even at the moment of death, as exemplified by the rich man in the Gospel. However, there will come a time of universal judgment when God will evaluate the entire cosmos according to His justice and every individual according to His truth. This is the day that Solomon refers to when he states, ‘For God will bring every deed into judgement, and every secret thing, whether it be good or bad.’ It will be a day of reward: a time of fury and retribution for those who have sinned and a moment of joy and fulfillment for those who have lived in faith and good works. This overarching judgment of God, along with the preceding examples, reveals the nature and expression of divine justice. A comprehensive yearly compilation of concise teachings, gathered for each day of the calendar.

This note aligns with the introductions found in our texts. The author outlines the intention behind the book, the rationale for its assembly, and its purpose. The preacher responsible for compiling this work sought not only personal wisdom but also aimed to share his insights with others. Through considerable experience and research, he articulated a multitude of profound sayings. His efforts were driven by a dual objective: to find an appealing expression for his thoughts while also conveying the truth, thus resulting in the creation of this preceding work.