Ecclesiastes 8:1-6

1 ho can be compared with a wise person? Who else knows what a thing means? Wisdom lights up the face and softens a grim appearance.

2 Keep the king's command because of the oath before God.

3 Don't be quick to leave his presence, and don't persist in doing what is wrong, for he does whatever he pleases.

4 After all, his word is final; who can challenge him, "Why are you doing that?"

5 Whoever obeys his command will never come to harm, and the wise person will know the right time and judgment.

6 For to everything there is a right time and a judgment, since people are greatly troubled

Ecclesiastes 8:1-6 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.