What is the chief and highest end of man?
Scripture proofs
The Westminster Assembly's proof texts (KJV). The bracketed numbers in the answer above mark the clause each set of references supports; expand a row to read the verses.
1 Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 10:31
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
2 Ps. 73:24–28
Ps. 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Ps. 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Ps. 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Ps. 73:27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
Ps. 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
This doctrine across the Standards
Where the Confession and the Westminster Shorter Catechism treat the same matter, so the question can be studied alongside its parallel statements.
In the Westminster Confession
I.1 Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, …
Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation; therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.
→ I.1 · Of the Holy ScriptureIn the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q.1 What is the chief end of man?
Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
→ Open Q.1Q.2 What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
→ Open Q.2Q.3 What do the Scriptures principally teach?
The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
→ Open Q.3