Ecclesiastes 12 · a question people ask
"of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh" (12:12). Is the book saying not to study?
The verse gives a warning:"Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh" (12:12) (tap admonished, study). Three verses earlier the same closing voice says of the Preacher, "he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs" (12:9). In Hebrew Further in 12:9 and Furthermore in 12:12 are one word, yoter (chapter 6 studies it). No end is ein qets, which chapter 4 follows through the book (4:8, 4:16, and here). After the many books comes the close: "This is the end of the matter. All has been heard" (12:13). The chapter tells no one to stop reading. It says that "of making many books there is no end" and that "much study is a weariness of the flesh" (12:12), and then it says what the end of the matter is.
The verses
“There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.”
“There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.”
“Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.”
“Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”