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            Solomon wrote “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before him” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). The wise man was setting forth some principles regarding God that have application to various aspects of life. Let us consider some of these applications.
            First, “I know that whatever God does”. Solomon understood that one could know that God exists and know God. All classes of believers and unbelievers existed during the time of Solomon just as they exist in our time. The neighboring nations were filled with people that did not know God or even believe that he existed because they had made their own Gods from stone, wood, metal, etc. Solomon knew that God existed and so can all human beings. Paul wrote to the Romans “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even unto his eternal power, and Godhead (Deity), so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Solomon was sure that one could know God, just as Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit also said. You can know that God was, is, and will be.
            Second, “whatever God does”. The word “whatever” is exhaustive in nature and that is what Solomon is implying. It does not matter what God chooses to do or not to, he can accomplish his own will. As human being we are not like that. We can think of many things that we would like to do and never accomplish them. As human beings we are limited in our abilities, but not so with God. “Whatever God does” is a phrase that is limitless in nature because of God’s nature, Deity. Solomon was convinced of that. 
            Third, “whatever God does, it shall be forever”. Solomon is not referring to the idea that the material world created by God will last forever in the sense of time. The material world had a beginning (Genesis 1:1), and as Peter wrote it will have an end. “But the heavens and the earth, which are not preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:9). The Lord speaking to Adam and speaking of the material said, “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). God was not referring to the eternal nature of Adam, but to his physical body. The material decays and returns to the dust, whether referring to the human body, an animal, tree, or plant. Whatever God chooses to do in his plans then “it shall be forever” or is to say that God’s plans will be accomplished and only can change them. Nothing material or human can change them.
            Fourth, “Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it”. This is another way of repeating “it shall be forever”. The principle is certainly found in both the Old and New Testaments. God through Moses said to the children of Israel “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). The same sentiment is repeated (Deuteronomy 12:32). The reminder is also seen at the conclusion of the book of Revelation (Revelation 22:18-19). This lesson or principle is being forgotten more and more in the Lord’s church. Little by little some congregations are adding to the Word of God by adding things that are not authorized regarding the worship, organization, or functioning of the church. It is right and correct to distinguish between the Word of God and what God has left up to man’s preferences and opinions, but the danger of adding to or taking from the Word of God must ever be in one’s mind.
            Fifth, “God does it that men should fear before him”. The very nature of God should cause one to as Solomon wrote at the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Human beings fear God when the Word of God is respected, not change, and obeyed.