Ecclesiastes 8:1-6

1 Who is really wise? Who knows how to explain things? Wisdom makes one's face shine, and it changes one's grim look.
2 I [advise] you to obey the king's commands because of the oath you took in God's presence.
3 Don't be in a hurry to leave the king's service. Don't take part in something evil, because he can do whatever he pleases.
4 Since a king's word has such power, no one can ask him what he is doing.
5 Whoever obeys his commands will avoid trouble. The mind of a wise person will know the right time and the right way [to act].
6 There is a right time and a right way [to act] in every situation. Yet, a terrible human tragedy hangs over people.

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.

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