Ecclesiastes 8:1-7

1 Who is like a wise man? Who knows how to explain things? Wisdom makes a man's face bright. It softens the look on his face.

Obey the King

2 I'm telling you to obey the king's command. You took an oath to serve him. You made a promise to God.
3 Don't be in a hurry to quit your job in the palace. Don't stand up for something the king doesn't like. He'll do anything he wants to.
4 He has the final word. So who can ask him, "What are you doing?"
5 No one who obeys his command will be harmed. Those who are wise will know the proper time and way to approach him.
6 There's a proper time and way for people to do everything. That's true even though a man might be suffering greatly.
7 No one knows what lies ahead. So who can tell a person what's going to happen?

Ecclesiastes 8:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 8

The preacher begins this chapter with the praise of wisdom, from its excellency and usefulness, Ec 8:1; and advises men, if they would live quietly and comfortably, to honour and obey the king that rules over them, and not be rebellious against him, since he has great power and authority, Ec 8:2-5; and not be anxious about things to come, since there is a set time for everything, and future things cannot be known nor frustrated; and, particularly, there is no avoiding the hour and stroke of death, Ec 8:6-8; Though there are times wherein wicked men rule over others, it is to their own hurt, and they must die; and though they may be pompously buried, yet are soon forgotten, Ec 8:9,10; and the reason of their insolence is the delay of justice; yet there will come a time when it shall be well with them that fear God, and ill with the wicked, though they may live long in wickedness; and for the present it may befall good then what wicked men deserve, and wicked men may have that which might, be thought more proper for good men, Ec 8:11-14; wherefore this should give no uneasiness; but men should cheerfully and freely enjoy what they have with thankfulness, there being nothing better than that under the sun, Ec 8:15; and the chapter is concluded with observing the unsearchableness of divine Providence, Ec 5:16,17.

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