Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

[1] Who is as the wise  man? and who knoweth  the interpretation  of a thing?  a man's  wisdom  maketh his face  to shine,  and the boldness  of his face  shall be changed.  [2] I counsel thee to keep  the king's  commandment,  and that in regard  of the oath  of God.  [3] Be not hasty  of his sight:  stand  not in an evil  thing;  for he doeth  whatsoever pleaseth  [4] Where the word  of a king  is, there is power:  and who may say  unto him, What doest  thou? [5] Whoso keepeth  the commandment  shall feel  no evil  thing:  and a wise man's  heart  discerneth  both time  and judgment.  [6] Because to every purpose  there is  time  and judgment,  therefore the misery  of man  is great  [7] For he knoweth  not that which shall be: for who can tell  him when it shall be? [8] There is no man  that hath power  over the spirit  to retain  the spirit;  neither hath he power  in the day  of death:  and there is no discharge  in that war;  neither shall wickedness  deliver  those that are given  [9] All this have I seen,  and applied  my heart  unto every work  that is done  under the sun:  there is a time  wherein one man  ruleth  over another to his own hurt. 

What does Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In Solomon"s day, the king had far-reaching power over his subjects. Therefore it became imperative to avoid his wrath. We must keep this background in view because it lies behind what Solomon said in chapter8.