At the end of Ecclesiastes, we find the words: “The end of the matter, everything having been heard, fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man.”
What does it mean to “fear God”? We usually think of fear as a negative phenomenon, as being frightened of punishment or afraid that something bad will happen. But here, fear has a different meaning.
To fear God means to be careful not to let our egoism, which is defined as our desire to enjoy for self-benefit alone, dominate us and push us into unnecessary actions.
Our ego constantly urges us to interfere, control, acquire, prove ourselves, and change things according to what we think is best. It can make us believe that we must constantly do something extraordinary, overturn what already exists, or create an entirely new reality.
Instead, we should learn to restrain this impulse.
Then comes the second principle: “Keep His commandments.”
This means following the instructions that nature places before us and building a normal, balanced path through life. There is no need to constantly stir everything up. We should learn to proceed calmly and sensibly through the circumstances we are given.
But how can a person know what their path is?
Begin with common sense.
Develop within yourself a simple, healthy understanding of how to relate to life and to other people. Do not take what belongs to another. Do not constantly try to manipulate the world for your own benefit. Try to establish positive, warm, and genuine relationships with those around you.
This is already a great deal.
We often imagine that spiritual principles must involve something mysterious or far removed from ordinary life. Yet their realization begins precisely in our relationships with one another.
Create a warm circle around yourself.
Try to relate to people with consideration. Build relationships in which there is sufficient warmth, closeness, and love. Do not let your ego constantly push you into conflict, excessive demands, or unnecessary actions.
This is common sense, and we should develop it.
Then the instruction to “fear God and keep His commandments” becomes very practical. Fear means remaining vigilant in relation to the egoistic force within us so that it does not control our actions. “Keeping the commandments” means proceeding according to the correct principles of life, particularly those involving the establishment and sustenance of loving, caring, and giving human relationships.
Based on KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman on May 27, 2026. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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