Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

1 Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? Wisdom makes one's face shine, and the hardness of one's countenance is changed.

2 Keep the king's command because of your sacred oath.

3 Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases.

4 For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

5 Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way.

6 For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.

7 Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be?

8 No one has power over the wind to restrain the wind, or power over the day of death; there is no discharge from the battle, nor does wickedness deliver those who practice it.

9 All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while one person exercises authority over another to the other's hurt.

Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb [I keep]
• [b]. Or [breath]
• [c]. Or [breath]