3:14b

It is futile to serve God: That is, it is pointless/useless to serve God. This is a return to the topic which had caused God to be upset with the people (see 2:17).

to serve God: Here to serve means “to worship, to behave in a proper way towards God.”

3:14c

keeping His requirements: That is, obeying his commandments.

3:14d

walking mournfully: That is, the people were “behaving as those who are truly sorry for the sins they have committed.” This implied that they had truly repented and were obeying the LORD once more. It contrasts with 3:15a, which mentions “the arrogant” people.

General Comment on 3:14c–d

In 3:14c–d the people asked a rhetorical question. The question emphasizes the idea in 3:14b and adds further details. If you would not use a question in that way in your language, it may be better to use a statement. For example:

14a You have said, 14b “It is useless to serve God. 14c It did no good to obey his laws 14d and to show the Lord All-Powerful that we were sorry for what we did.” (New Century Version)

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