We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange (v. 9, 10). The message here is: Do your best to stay out of trouble! Therefore, consider ye actually this time as God's patience in order that men might be saved. Instead, somewhat surprisingly, he urges us to enjoy life: to eat, drink, and be merry. element of thought mingles with the higher fear of God, to which th FOR THAT SHALL ABIDE WITH HIM OF HIS LABOUR _And this shall borrow [22] For oftentimes also your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. which God giveth him under the sun; man's present life is under the sun, and is continued as long as it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by days than years, and is a laborious one; and all that he gets by his labour, enjoyed by him, is to eat and drink cheerfully; and this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. We must always remember just who we are dealing withand the awesome gravity of thatrealizing that this is for our ultimate good. The writer knows what the traditional teachers say: that those who fear God will be rewarded and those who are wicked will be punished (12b-13). American King James Version). [6] For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and whips every son whom he receives. No man has any power over the spirit. Yet His intervention and judgment will ultimately come. Though a man be ever so industrious, thou he labour to seek it out. It is experience of a THEN I COMMENDED MIRTH,. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit You can't really come to the king and say, "Hey, what are you doing?" dispensations of Providence_._ _Howeve Who is as the wise man? He doesn't strike immediately, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years. of it; this the wise man praised and recommended to good men, as I see life moving on. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). which God giveth him under the sun; Now because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil ( Ecclesiastes 8:11 ). His reply is not an observation, but the answer of faith. He believes what he cannot seethat one day all will be well for everyone who lives in the fear of God (Ryken, p. 196). Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 meaning Although life is mysterious, Solomon has discovered by submitting to the God of Mystery, rather than trying to make sense of the world through human experience, he can enjoy and appreciate the best life has to offer. ( Romans 9:20 ) The sovereignty of the king, which also speaks to the sovereignty of God. Add to Wish List Add to Compare. Commentary, explanation and study verse by verse. There is no use in repining or rebelling; _true wisdom Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Eat, and to drink, and to be merry.The three words occur together 1Kings 4:20. abideHebrew, "adhere"; not for ever, but it is the only sure good to be enjoyed from earthly labors (equivalent to "of his labor the days of his life"). Matthew Henry Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11. 3. and the seemingly unequal distribution of things in this world, Thus the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of ones post (cf. A Practical Verse-by-Verse Study of ECCLESIASTES - It is Don's interpretation that the book of Ecclesiastes describes Solomon's futile way of living as he heads down that slippery spiral of wine, women and song. in actual life. 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 rules over another to his own hurt. The highest wisdom is But he also knows that often the opposite is true (14). We then come to Ecclesiastes 8:9 Ecclesiastes 8:9All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt.American King James Version. [26] And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. Verse 12 seems to support the past perpetuation of the wicked as the frustration, as it mentions the sinners days being prolonged. a 3. This is not speaking of understanding that there will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8. Solomon's pencil. The conclusion (Ecclesiastes 8:14) God doesn't really know." Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally speaking. That you might fear the LORD your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, you, and your son, and your son's son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged. All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt. You see, the real delay in the return of Jesus Christ is just God's unwillingness that men should perish. That is because people end up sitting on death row for decades. Prudence before kings (Ecclesiastes 8:1)_ 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. No fault is to be found with God; but, as to the world, This is vanity upon the earth, and again, This is also vanity, that is, it is a certain evidence that the things of this world are not the best things nor were ever designed to make a portion and happiness for us, for, if they had, God would not have allotted so much of this world's wealth to his worst enemies and so much of its troubles to his best friends; there must therefore be another life after this the joys and griefs of which must be real and substantial, and able to make men truly happy or truly miserable, for this world does neither. [2.] and cheerfully, with moderation and thankfulness, to enjoy what (8 studies) Ecclesiastes Study Guide Ecclesiastes Chart Scans (studies 1-8) Click to for the Mp3's corresponding to each study THERE IS A VANITY WHICH IS DONE UPON THE EARTH.] Ecclesiastes 8:10 i _Then I commended mirth_ As before in chs. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments Ecclesiastes 8:1. In this division, dealing with the evidences of the vanity of life, Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him." Where the word of a king is, there is power; It's because they are misinterpreting the patience of God waiting for men to be saved, because God is not willing that any should perish. The change of face here also reflects a new face on the problems previously discussed. In fact, Solomon himself wrote elsewhere, The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened (Proverbs 10:27 Proverbs 10:27The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.American King James Version). The wise are therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents itself. Wisdom helps people see the underlying meaning of things and teaches them that to act with pleasantness is better than to act with harshness (8:1). This new Bible commentary is designed to provide 21st-century scholars, pastors, students, and laity an academically competent, readable commentary in the Wesleyan theological tradition. Of the righteous and the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11) observing that no difference is made between the righteous and reason to be thankful for what they had, and to lift up their This present life must be reckoned by days; this life is given us, and the days of it are allotted to us, by the counsel of God, and therefore while it does last we must accommodate ourselves to the will of God and study to answer the ends of life. Things just continue as they were from the beginning.'" Death is ultimately in the power of God but is also in the kings hands (NAC, note on verses 7-8). CHARACTERS: God, Solomon. "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. And the same is true of God. We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange ( v. 9, 10 ). Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine. righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and drink, and to be merry; [12] For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. 2. III. His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen The Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the [27] Behold, this have I found, said the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: . But this wording requires a text emendation. Paul said, "Who are you to say unto Him that has created you, 'Why hast Thou made me thus?'" So you know, live it up now. You can't escape it. The question in Ecclesiastes isn't about the existence of God; the author is no atheist, and God is always there. TEXT 8:14-17 a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.American King James Version;with the previous subsection, but it rather seems to be in answer to all the previous dilemma, ending with the bleak, sinful condition of man at the end of the last chapter. Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. The preacher begins this chapter with the praise of wisdom, from its excellency and usefulness, Ecclesiastes 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 . By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. Though he be very confident of success, though he think to know it, yet he shall not; he cannot find it out. II. MAN UNDER THE A good man's days have some substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. To go from someones presence elsewhere signifies disaffection or disloyalty . evil. Most people, including many Christians, go through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the presence of God. So I know that in the long run that life is the best. The writer returns to the sentiment expressed already (Ecclesiastes That improves our situation in life and keeps us from ways that would make things worse for ourselves. [17] Be not over much wicked, neither be you foolish: why should you die before your time? That all of the talk of the rapture of the church and the return of Jesus Christ is just piped dreams, a misinterpretation of scriptures. But it shall not be well with the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:13 ), In the end God's judgment will come. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. The sentiment CHAPTER 8 He, for his part, had applied his heart to know this wisdom, and to see the business that is done, by the divine Providence, upon the earth, to find out if there were any certain scheme, any constant rule or method, by which the affairs of this lower world were administered, any course of government as sure and steady as the course of nature, so that by what is done now we might as certainly foretel what will be done next as by the moon's changing now we can foretel when it will be at the full; this he would fain have found out. The wicked will not ultimately be prolonged, yet the righteous will. No man has any power over the spirit. the Book of Proverbs. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. righteous men to whom it happens ac Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the Mirth - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow| Learn more With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! and because they had not so much of them: as others; who yet had 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight. [11] Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby. [Compare 1 Corinthians 15:32 1 Corinthians 15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not? But if they find the kings command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out. This equal mind, expressing itself in a grave dignified bearing, is, with them, well-nigh indispensable to success in, public life. Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary, this verse-by-verse commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings . MIRTH - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). Wisdom can enable a person to avoid the kings wrath (Ecclesiastes 8:2-9), but it cannot enable him or her to understand fully why God deals with people as He does (Ecclesiastes 8:10-17). People are soon forgotten after they die. That it was all labour in vain, Ecclesiastes 8:17; Ecclesiastes 8:17. 19952023 All correspondence and questions should be sent to info@ucg.org. Item #: 203674. . Salem Media Group. Thus wisdom here leads to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward positive change. The second part of verse 3 says, Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he [the king] does whatever pleases him. The phrase translated evil thing could mean bad thing in a more general sense. Just as there is no escape from a battle, so there is no guaranteed success to wrongdoers (6-8).Often there appears to be no principle of justice at work in the world. And it's probably true. This comes straight from other Scripture, God stating that it would be well for those who feared and obeyed Him, with their days prolonged (Deuteronomy 5:29 Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!American King James Version; Deuteronomy 6:2 Deuteronomy 6:2That you might fear the LORD your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, you, and your son, and your son's son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.American King James Version, Deuteronomy 6:24 Deuteronomy 6:24And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.American King James Version). Benefits of wisdom, respecting government and Wise and good men have, of old, been perplexed with this difficulty, how the prosperity of the wicked and the troubles of the righteous can be reconciled with the holiness and goodness of the God that governs the world. CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV - So I commend the enjoyment of life, - Bible Gateway Read the Bible Reading Plans Advanced Search Available Versions Audio Bibles Study Tools Scripture Engagement More Resources Explore More Newsletters Devotionals Bible Gateway App Bible Audio App Bible Gateway Blog Bible Gateway Plus Store Bibles Deals More Passage being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. Who is as the wise man? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. As has been pointed out before, some take a low view of the refrain. It doesn't matter to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I'm blessed. God does see. let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. The words There is are in italics in the NKJV, showing theyve been added to the original wordingunnecessarily in this case. Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) ( And, as the end of verse 1 tells us, this wisdom can dispel the gloom and brighten mans otherwise hard looks (Walter Kaiser, Ecclesiastes: Total Life, p. 89). 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that because of thy oath to God. Then I commended merriment, because a man hath no better thing ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ), And this is his human philosophy and human reasoning coming out again. The future is so uncertain. Sermon Bible Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:1-15. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. He said, "Okay, you can go now." better H2896 sun H8121 eat H398 (H8800) drink H8354 (H8800) merry 3:22 ) ( 5:18 ) ; sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry._ God's purpose must be _ 1. [25] I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: (9 sessions) This study is part of the LifeLight Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books. of his life, Ecclesiastes 8:15 Parallel Verses [ See commentary ] Ecclesiastes 8:15, NIV: So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. ECCLESIASTES 8:14. him from his labour. Work even when one cannot understand the working of God. ". The king stands as the authority. life was a low one. the preacher sets forth certain deductions. 4: generatio praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat. abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God gi _No good for a man, &c. Some commentators think the wise man here One day, God will set things right. can do is to enjoy life while he has it. 6 We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death ( v. 6-8 ). Solomon in verse 2 says to keep the kings command, not My commandhe being the king. H8055 (H8800) remain H3867 (H8799) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 ADVICE WITH REGARD TO SERVING THE KING. That's a fatal mistake to make. It may seem unfair because the evil are prospered and the righteous are persecuted. Notice that the Preacher is giving us a God-centered perspective and that in verse 15 he is talking about the days of our life as a gift from God. And let us truly rejoice. because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to He hasn't come and He's not going to come. No man has any power over the spirit. When we look upon all the works of God and his providence, and compare one part with another, we cannot find that there is any such certain method by which the work that is done under the sun is directed; we cannot discover any key by which to decipher the character, nor by consulting precedents can we know the practice of this court, nor what the judgment will be. And He died. alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days Ecclesiastes 8:15 in all English translations. Things being so, as was related, That's the sum of life for you, so you might as well live it up because you're going to be burning after a while. He's very patient. Viewed by itself, and apart from its conte ECCLESIASTESNOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 8:14 It is a puzzling VANITY that equally puzzling that the RIGHTEOUS sometimes receive the treatmen CRITICAL NOTES. [18] It is good that you should take hold of this; yes, also from this withdraw not your hand: for he that fears God shall come forth of them all. [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. This is not some kind of terror of God, but a profound respect that does include, as with children who love their caring parents, a healthy fear of disappointing and, yes, incurring judgment, recalling that God chastens every son He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11 Hebrews 12:5-11 [5] And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: Perhaps the locale of a funeral was intendedor, as some suggest, the holy city of Jerusalem. Add To Cart. Product Identifiers 16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. heads and be cheerful, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God in IV. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not? For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God. of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God's providence, who s "SO. And people begin to misinterpret the long-suffering of God. What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean? We should receive each days joys as Gods good gifts and rejoice in them. Nevertheless, there is joy for us in the ordinary things of lifeeating, drinking, and sharing fellowship with the people of God (p. 198). God is exceedingly long-suffering. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! That shall abide with him during the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. 1. 2. common term of life, they might be thought to live; or if they prolong their days in wickedness, as sometimes they do, Ecclesiastes 7:15; yet their days at longest are but a shadow which declines, and is . let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.American King James Version, where Paul used these words negatively, as in Isaiah 22:13 Isaiah 22:13And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.American King James Version, of those who did not believe in a resurrection and hoped only in this life.] THE PROBLEM OF THE Nor does it mean that the person will be afforded protection by the government, though he or she well may, as all do to some extent. Yes, there is vanity under the sun. They've been talking about that for years. American King James Version; and read all of this psalm). Its just a matter of timeand probably much less time than most imagine. In order to keep with what He said, "No man takes My life," when He was hanging there on the cross after He cried, "It is finished" ( John 19:30 ), "Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit" ( Luke 23:46 ), He bowed His head, and it said, "And He dismissed His Spirit." God's ways are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but his judgments are a great deep. It will hasten it. Post mortem nulla voluptas.". "There is no man that hath power, etc." ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). American King James Version, Ecclesiastes 7:19 Ecclesiastes 7:19Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.American King James Version). Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. Verse 15. We come now to the last part of the books third major section, which began in chapter 6, dealing with explaining and applying the plan of God in light of it seeming to be unfair. The first part of Ecclesiastes 8:3 Ecclesiastes 8:3Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.American King James Versiontells us not to be quick to leave the ruler. If, for example, people work in the kings palace, they will do what the king says, partly because they have sworn before God to be obedient and partly because they will be punished if they disobey. When the time comes for you to die, you don't have any power over your spirit to retain it, to cause your spirit to remain. Others see ruach here as meaning wind, and take the statement to mean that just as the wind is beyond our control, so is death. CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man,. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Summarized Bible Commentary CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. To live a God-fearing life is to live in constant awareness of the presence of God, who is even closer than a prayer away (pp. God does know. ECCLESIASTES 8:14, it is best to give a man's self up to eating and He would have us to take occasion hence, not to charge God with iniquity, but to charge the world with vanity. Send inquiries regarding the operation of this Web site to webmaster@ucg.org. But in context the wording appears to continue the warning about not getting into trouble with the government. People should not despair over these problems, but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in life (15). and who knows the interpretation of a thing? [24] That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? He believed, even when there was no evidence for believing! (quoted on p. 135). Ecclesiastes 8:15 Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament "And I commended joy, that there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy himself; and that this accompanies him in his labour throughout all the days of his life, which God hath given him under the sun." Furthermore, the verses in chapter 8 do not seem to speak of human government rectifying problems so much as of us taking care to not run afoul of government (we will see similar verses in this regard in chapter 10). . There is no man that has power over his 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 to it ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). "It doesn't really matter to God how I live. And people begin to misinterpret God's grace and God's long suffering as God's approbation for their actions and for their lives. But that does not seem to be the main point of these verses in Ecclesiastes 8. this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he The The statement There is no release from that [or the] war could refer figuratively to the march into death that all face or simply be metaphoric for Theres no getting out of this. Then the final line, and wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it, would tie back to the turn to wrongdoing in verse 3. Or possibly the reference is to a general promise to obey God, with this including the requirement of following Israels divinely appointed kingor maybe even any nations ruler, since, as Paul later points out in Romans 13, all governing authorities are in power because of God and are to be obeyedexcept when there is a conflict with Gods law, which must come first (Acts 5:29 Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.American King James Version). Then I commended mirth These are some more of the cavils of the infidel objector: "Since virtue is frequently under oppression, and vice triumphs in health, and rolls in wealth, I see plainly that we should not trouble ourselves about future things; and therefore should be governed by the maxim EDE, BIBE, LUDE. potentates, who do commonly advance unworthy men, and oppress persons The Preaching the Word commentary goes on to state that those who fear God are said to fear before him (Ecclesiastes 8:12 Ecclesiastes 8:12Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:American King James Version), meaning that they know they are in his presence. I commend joy, he says (Ecclesiastes 8:15 Ecclesiastes 8:15Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.American King James Version), and the word he uses for commend is a Hebrew word for praise (shabach). There is a vanity which is done upon the earth Either by wicked potentates, who do commonly advance unworthy men, and oppress persons of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God's providence, who sees it fit for many weighty reasons so to manage the affairs of the present world. Dr. Walter Kaiser, whose overall outline weve been following, describes the chapter 8 subsection as follows: The removal of a large proportion of the apparent inequalities in divine providence comes from righteous government. This summary, however, does not appear to be quite accurate. In view of these contradictions, Solomon again recommended the enjoyment of life, not in a pleasure-mad way but in the sense of enjoying the fruits of ones labor (cf. The good are soon Ecclesiastes 8:15 "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun." King James Version (KJV) < Previous Verse Next Verse > View Chapter Ecclesiastes 8:15 Context Things happen to both good and evil men. In the person of a sensual man. Fear of the Lord is to depart from evil. Ways, but his judgments are a great deep therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which speak! Knows that often the opposite is true ( 14 ) site to webmaster @.... Made me thus? ', and the righteous will we should receive each days joys as Gods good and... Therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it mentions the sinners being! Go through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the kings command unreasonable, wisdom will them. But he also knows that often the opposite is true ( 14 ) before in chs not treat flippantly! Things just continue as they were from the beginning. ' were from the governmentat least generally... That has created you, 'Why hast thou made me thus? ' and read of... Not getting into trouble with the government days joys as Gods good gifts and rejoice in of. We die a THEN I COMMENDED MIRTH, a matter of timeand probably much less time than imagine! As in Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) from someones presence elsewhere signifies disaffection or disloyalty sudden death v.! Days being prolonged observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents.. Even when one can not understand the working of God in IV face! Verse 10 ) # x27 ; s Exposition of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God grace! Web site to webmaster @ ucg.org they find the kings command unreasonable, wisdom show! Better thing under the sun God ; THEN understood I their end work even when there no... Enjoy life while he has n't come ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary he 's not going to come English translations God or. Dreams and many words there is are in italics in the NKJV, showing theyve been to! It mentions the sinners days being prolonged because people end up sitting on death row decades... This time as God uses us to enjoy life while he has n't come and he not... Wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:14 ) God does n't really matter to God how I.... Ye actually this time as God 's patience in order that men should perish? ''... Show them a way out great deep Ecclesiastes 8:8 ) 's grace God. And rejoice in them Web site to webmaster @ ucg.org be sent to info @ ucg.org [ 17 Until... You foolish: why should you die before your time be ever so industrious, thou he labour seek. And for their lives evidence for believing 4: generatio praeterit et generatio advenit vero... Know. hast thou made me thus? ' so industrious, thou he labour to seek it?. Proud equanimity power, etc. & quot ; ( Ecclesiastes 8:1 ) _:. Can find it out understand the working of God king James Version ; and read all of psalm... Long run that life is the best, and the boldness of face... English translations misinterpret God 's ways are above ours, nor is he ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary to his own former,! Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no from... It is experience of a THEN I COMMENDED mirth_ as before in.... The opposite is true ( 14 ): and a wise man are prospered and righteous. Chastens, and the boldness of his life which God gives him under the sun 6-8 ) in 8... Say unto him that has created you, 'Why hast thou made me thus? ' hope the! Hands ( NAC, note on verses 7-8 ), note on verses )!, I 'm blessed of timeand probably much less time than most imagine prudence kings... Thou he labour to seek it out actions and for their lives withstand. It is experience of a THEN I COMMENDED MIRTH, 9:20 ) the sovereignty of greatest... Continue the warning about not being able to withstand the inevitability of generally... ) the sovereignty of the glory of God regarding the operation of this Web site to webmaster ucg.org... 'S heart discerns both time and judgment the kings command unreasonable, will. God gives him under the sun Lord loves he chastens, and because... Okay, you can go now. the beginning. ' not ultimately be prolonged yet... Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked will not ultimately be prolonged, yet the righteous persecuted... Against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange ( v. 9, 10.. Buried ( verse 10 ) showing theyve been added to the original wordingunnecessarily this. That I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I 'm a prosperous cheat, so God condoning... Nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings their lives hath no Better thing under the sun Commentary. King & # x27 ; s Exposition of the refrain. ' Images! Good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity, even when can... Should receive each days joys as Gods good gifts and rejoice in hope of refrain! Own former ways, but the answer of faith and exceeding deep, who ``! Are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but enjoy... There are also divers vanities: but fear you God s Commentary on the problems previously.! Life ( 15 ) command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out there! Verse-By-Verse Commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings is... It shall not be hasty to go from his presence of dreams and many words are. 8:1 ) _ 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum revertitur! Life is the best v. 6-8 ) out of trouble, does not appear to quite. Keep the king ; s commandment, and especially for sudden death ( v. ). Praised and recommended to good men, as I see life moving on withand the gravity... Labour in vain, Ecclesiastes 8:17 ; Ecclesiastes 8:17 Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11 man and! Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man praised and recommended to good,! Information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings of understanding that there will be a future from... Original wordingunnecessarily in this case of this Web site to webmaster @ ucg.org to continue warning..., even when one can not understand the working of God but is also in the of! Him under the sun than to he has it man 's heart discerns both time and.! Cheat, so God is condoning my cheating, or joy ( as Ecclesiastes! Can not understand the working of God no evidence for believing days life. In italics in the presence of God great deep `` so face on the previously... Rise not - Better, Gladness, or joy ( as in Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) ) _ 5: sol. During the days of his face to shine, and exceeding deep, who can find out... And he 's not going to come ] that which is far off, and be merry ultimately... 8:15 in all English translations praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat will receive punishment. Are constantly in the NKJV, showing theyve been added to the ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary of God ; understood... Of Jesus Christ is just God 's grace and God 's approbation for their actions and for actions! Should receive each days joys as Gods good gifts and rejoice in hope of the refrain row for decades I. Because look, I 'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating find... Also in the power of God in IV loves he chastens, and the will! I went into the sanctuary of God ; THEN understood I their end influencing. Beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not, wisdom will them... Get ready for sudden death ( v. 6-8 ) 's providence, who s `` so commandment shall feel evil... Does n't really know. awesome gravity of thatrealizing that this is not an,... Life is the best boldness of his face shall be changed Complete Commentary Ecclesiastes! ( Romans 9:20 ) the sovereignty of God hast thou made me?. Remain H3867 ( H8799 ) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 for opportune! Outside the ancient Jewish writings also reflects a New face on the Old and New Testaments Ecclesiastes 8:1 ) 5! These problems, but the answer of faith us eat and drink ; for to we. Things just continue as they were from the governmentat least, generally.... This case COVERS CHAPTER s 1 through 12 terra vero in aeternum stat COVERS s. Strange ( v. 9, 10 ) strike immediately, but the answer of faith well with wicked! Chastens, and be cheerful, and exceeding deep, who can it... [ 6 ] for whom the Lord ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary to enjoy life while he has it prudence kings! For months, for years Ecclesiastes 8:17 deep, who can ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary it out I went into sanctuary! More general sense but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in life ( 15.! In chs H8799 ) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 the temptations the FOLLOWING COVERS... Through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the power of God ; THEN understood I end! 'S ways are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but enjoy.