Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

16 When I 1gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should 2never sleep * * day or night ),
17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that 3man cannot * discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though * man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and 4though the wise man should say, "I know," he cannot * discover.

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 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.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Ecclesiastes 1:13, 14
  • 2. Ecclesiastes 2:23
  • 3. Ecclesiastes 3:11
  • 4. Psalms 73:16; Ecclesiastes 7:23; Romans 11:33

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "see no sleep in his eyes"
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