NOTES for Ecc 11:9-10

Ecclesiastes makes an interesting proposal: “Do whatever you want, but remember that God will judge you for all of it.” My first impression was that he was simply mocking the reader, implying that in reality one must act in this way, that way, and another way—and then what? Then there will be no judgment of God? But we remember what His judgment is: it consists in our encounter with His light (John 3:19). Can such judgment be avoided, or can we even obtain some justification by observing rules? Of course not. God does not need mechanical obedience. Our heart is what matters to Him, and this is what Ecclesiastes is saying. Do what your heart tells you and act as you see fit, but remember that you remain responsible to Him for everything you do.