Ecclesiastes 8:1-11

1 The wisdom of a man shineth in his countenance, and the most mighty will change his face.

2 I observe the mouth of the king, and the commandments of the oath of God.

3 Be not hasty to depart from his face, and do not continue in an evil work: for he will do all that pleaseth him:

4 And his word is full of power: neither can any man say to him: Why dost thou so?

5 He that keepeth the commandment, shall find no evil. The heart of a wiser man understandeth time and answer.

6 There is a time and opportunity for every business, and great affliction for man:

7 Because he is ignorant of things past, and things to come he cannot know by any messenger.

8 It is not in man’s power to stop the spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death, neither is he suffered to rest when war is at hand, neither shall wickedness save the wicked.

9 All these things I have considered, and applied my heart to all the works that are done under the sun. Sometimes one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

10 I saw the wicked buried: who also when they were yet living were in the holy place, and were praised in the city as men of just works: but this also is vanity.

11 For because sentence is not speedily pronounced against the evil, the children of men commit evils without any fear.

Ecclesiastes 8:1-11 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.