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THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. 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 But he does not dwell on that. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit in whatsoever state this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he Perhaps the locale of a funeral was intendedor, as some suggest, the holy city of Jerusalem. [1.] The problem with this view is that it does not do full justice to what the Preacher says. being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, SUN EXCEPT TO EAT AND TO DRINK AND TO BE MERRY, AND THIS WILL STAND BY these men against divine Providence, and the inferences they dra Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, HIM IN HIS TOILS THROUGHOUT THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE WHICH GOD HA 14-17 Faith alone can establish the heart in this mixed scene, where submission to things as they are. evil. Add To Cart. No man hath power over the spirit That is, over the soul of man; to retain the spirit To keep it in the body beyond the time which God hath allotted to it. [23] All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. Abject in his fear before Moses, he was ready to promise anything; insolent in his pride, he swallows down his promises as soon as fear is eased, his repentance and his retractation of it combined to add new weights about his neck. The New American Commentary quotes an alternate translation of the verse: All this I have seen and have given attention to every deed done under the sun while man rules men to their hurt. This is the terrible human condition of today. 1. Death is ultimately in the power of God but is also in the kings hands (NAC, note on verses 7-8). No man has any power over the spirit. He doesn't strike immediately, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years. 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. 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: The Book of Ecclesiastes is, up to a certain point, the converse of Yes, we see injustice that is hard to accept or understand. The wise are therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents itself. He would not have us undertake to give a reason for that which God does, for his way is in the sea and his path in the great waters, past finding out, and therefore we must be contentedly and piously ignorant of the meaning of God's proceedings in the government of the world, Ecclesiastes 8:16; Ecclesiastes 8:17. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Nevertheless, there is joy for us in the ordinary things of lifeeating, drinking, and sharing fellowship with the people of God (p. 198). It is 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). Qoheleth was the great believer! We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange (v. 9, 10). 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. The place of holiness to which they had come and gone is not clear. Ecclesiastes 8:11. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. [17] Be not over much wicked, neither be you foolish: why should you die before your time? man, for men to be easy under every providence, satisfied with Fear God. he asks. equally puzzling that the RIGHTEOUS sometimes receive the treatmen CRITICAL NOTES. Paul said, "Who are you to say unto Him that has created you, 'Why hast Thou made me thus?'" THE ONE END OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. He saw wicked men to whom it happened according to the work of the righteous, who prospered as remarkably as if they had been rewarded for some good deed, and that from themselves, from God, from men. A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. MIRTH - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). One day, God will set things right. [7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither has 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. 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. 2. of his life, 21st Century King James Version. Concerning this Solomon here gives us his advice. So you know, live it up now. Recall that chapter 5 was the first instance of direct exhortations in the booktelling us to be careful in our approach in coming to worship God, the One in whose hands our lives are and who can help us through the present difficulties. ( Ecclesiastes 8:1-4 ). can do is to enjoy life while he has it. It doesn't matter to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I'm blessed. EAT, AND TO DRINK, AND TO BE MERRY. [2.] All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongs his life in his wickedness. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Summarized Bible Commentary CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. People are soon forgotten after they die. _ 1. Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 (Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-17) Thus the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of ones post (cf. Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 Solomon reminds us that, as life falls out for us, we frequently do not understand it. That it was all labour in vain, Ecclesiastes 8:17; Ecclesiastes 8:17. American King James Version). . PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. We see the just troubled and perplexed in their own minds, the wicked easy, fearless, and secure,--the just crossed and afflicted by the divine Providence, the wicked prosperous, successful, and smiled upon,--the just, censured, reproached, and run down, by the higher powers, the wicked applauded and preferred. Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The Preacher is growing more and more confident about this joy. But He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" ( 2 Peter 3:9 ). I know that, whatever God does, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before him. ". Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. 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. We must always remember just who we are dealing withand the awesome gravity of thatrealizing that this is for our ultimate good. Ecclesiastes 8:1. the WICKED appear to escape judgment and receive blessings. 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"). A righteous man has prospered; an unrighteous man has prospered. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide III. This is not speaking of understanding that there will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8. Verses 12-13 show that beyond the prolonged days of the wicked today, it will be well with those who fear God but not for the wicked who do not. 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. That shall abide with him during the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. THE BENEFITS OF WHOLESOME RECREATION Where the word of the king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What are you doing? Therefore men fear him ([Job] 37:22-24) (note on 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). him from his labour. And thus, they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God is too remote to care. "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. Benson Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15. The Preacher is careful to set forth pleasure as a gift from God, to be earned by labor, and received with thankfulness to the Giver, and to be accounted for to Him. 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. 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. Honor the king.American King James Version). and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. The Tyndale commentary notes: To his hurt (Heb[rew]) is not to his own hurt (AV [Authorized or KJV]) but to the hurt of the one under the abuser of power (note on verse 9). "There is no man that hath power, etc." ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). TEXT 8:14-17 While this principle applies today to a certain extent, things often dont go this way, as weve seen. 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). Of that Solomon is certain. The wicked go unpunished and, even when they are dead and buried, people still praise them for their achievements in life (9-10). Now in chapter 8, Solomon tells us to exercise wisdom and righteousness to help reduce and manage problems in many cases, maintain proper perspective and find joy in life and ultimate reward from God. 5:18; Ecclesiastes 9:7 To be merry This he speaks of sensual delights. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Adam Clarke Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - College Press Bible Study Textbook Series, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - ETCBC data on Hebrew bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll), Ecclesiastes 8:15 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Geneva Study Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Hawker's Poor man's commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - John Darby's Synopsis, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - John Trapp Complete Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Mark Dunagan Commentaries, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Sermon Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Summarized Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - The Biblical Illustrator, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - The Pulpit Commentaries, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes. 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. 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. 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 i. Some see it as a worthless cause, calamitous outcome or anything the king would not like. 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. By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of mind, Thus wisdom here leads to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward positive change. and cheerfully, with moderation and thankfulness, to enjoy what He's giving you chance after chance after chance. Then I commended mirth The change of face here also reflects a new face on the problems previously discussed. Fear of the Lord is to depart from evil. man's present life is under the sun, and is continued as long as The question in Ecclesiastes isn't about the existence of God; the author is no atheist, and God is always there. No man has any power over the spirit. Who is as the wise man? No man has any power over the spirit. Matthew Henry Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11. The conclusion (Ecclesiastes 8:14) When on the cross, it said, "He bowed his head and dismissed His Spirit" ( John 19:30 ). American King James Version; and read all of this psalm). Because He doesn't execute His sentence speedily, because He doesn't immediately come down to the fist of judgment upon a man, a man many times thinks he's getting away with his evil. His estimate of the pleasures of the senses is recorded in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. Who is as the wise man? God does see. He is not out to destroy us but to save us, as Hes said time and again. They will wait for a suitable opportunity to act, then act in such a way that, though they do not disobey the king, neither do they sin against their conscience (2-5).Despite the compromise he recommends, the writer knows that people remain uneasy about the outcome and about the future in general. Therefore, consider ye actually this time as God's patience in order that men might be saved. So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. seventh chapter, to which they evidently belong. So we should not expect that corrupt people coming together to form a government would result in righteous rule. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18, the Epicurean 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 ). 2. Let us be ever thankful for the days of our lives. He would not have us try to give a reason for what God does. So I know that in the long run that life is the best. He is instead, in great mercy, giving everyone more time to repentand He is letting us see how far we will drift without His intervention. (Needing to give such instruction without any self-serving appearance could be part of why Solomon referred to himself as the Preacher throughout the book rather than as king.). There is a serenity that comes with things starting to make senseand with trusting that God knows whatHes doing when things still dont. Work even when one cannot understand the working of God. another world. pleasant, and not distress themselves about things they cannot pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise 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). The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry; of earthly things there is nothing better than for a man freely and cheerfully, with moderation and thankfulness, to enjoy what God has given him; this is what had been observed before, Ecclesiastes 2:24; and is not the language of an epicure, or a carnal man, who observing that no difference is made between the righteous and the wicked, that it is as well or better with the wicked than the righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise man, for men to be easy under every providence, satisfied with their present condition and circumstances, and be cheerful and pleasant, and not distress themselves about things they cannot alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life. What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean? If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses. Ecclesiastes 2:14; Things happen to both good and evil men. therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do Yes, we have a lot of hard work to do. Not so. One aspect of God's nature is His tremendous patience with rebelling man. [21] Also take no heed to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you: 4: generatio praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat. God is exceedingly long-suffering. We should respect and follow that rule, with the benefits of doing so and the avoidance of an approach that will bring more troubles on us than would otherwise ensue. Jesus made clear that we are to fear not mere human beings who can take only our immediate lives but to fear Him who is able to remove us from existence forever (Matthew 10:28 Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.American King James Version; Luke 12:4-5 Luke 12:4-5 [4] And I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. It's emptiness. IV. Who makes this observation? 2. 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). [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: If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not? Solomon's pencil. THERE IS A VANITY WHICH IS DONE UPON THE EARTH.] physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. I see life moving on. The sentiment of this verse is a frequent conclusion of the writers personal experience (compare marginal references), and is unfairly charged with Epicureanism. Ecclesiastes 1:15:: King James Version (KJV) Ecclesiastes 1:15 - That which is crooked H5791 cannot H3201 be made straight: H8626 and that which is wanting H2642 cannot H3201 be numbered. 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). for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ). If one does not know what will happen, how can he learn when it will happen? You see, the real delay in the return of Jesus Christ is just God's unwillingness that men should perish. Things being so, as was related, 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. In the midst of a miscarriage, a failed friendship, or job loss, the preacher would remind us that 'there is a time for. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important. 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. Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally speaking. 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). That both he himself and many others had very closely studied the point, and searched far into the reasons of the prosperity of the wicked and the afflictions of the righteous. That improves our situation in life and keeps us from ways that would make things worse for ourselves. Still, the language resembles the skeptical precept (1Co 15:32), introduced only to be refuted; and "abide" is too strong language, perhaps, for a religious man to apply to "eating" and "mirth.". 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. serving the king, followed by a number Ecclesiastes 7:19-8 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. The future is so uncertain. of Verse 15. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 6 Prudence before kings (Ecclesiastes 8:1)_ [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. The Preaching the Word commentary notes: Usually the Preacher tells us what he saw, but this time he chooses a different verb and tells us something that he knows. This is not something that he has seen from a distance, but something he has grasped with the rational conviction of his own mind. 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. A righteous man gets cancer; an unrighteous man gets cancer. 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." CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man, Ecclesiastes 8:1. Our present life is a life under the sun, but we look for the life of the world to come, which will commence and continue when the sun shall be turned into darkness and shine no more. and who knows the interpretation of a thing? Beyond Today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes. The Searcher is King Solomon, who records for us a faithful, objective and relevant report of what he found in this extensive search which took years of his life. 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! American King James Versiona). 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). [28] Which yet my soul seeks, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face And it's probably true. His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen And let us truly rejoice. Romans 13 speaks of rulers executing wrath on evildoers. Ecclesiastes 8:8. They begin to scoff at it, even as Peter said they would. It will help us through the quandary that still remains for this age. CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and is not the language of an epicure, or a carnal man, who Man in this world is the property of _labour._ 3. is simply that the wicked were able to die and receive a proper burial after a long life without having to face up to what they'd doneall the while having been permitted in life to be regularly in God's temple, a sacrilege and mockery of religion. 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Things still dont also in the return of Jesus Christ is just God 's nature his! Governmentat least, generally speaking near, real, and to be easy under every providence, with... Is ultimately in the kings hands ( NAC, note on verses 7-8 ), etc. quot! Withstand the inevitability of death generally thus the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of ones (... Rule must be righteous, though this is not willing that any should perish, but oftentimes forestalls for. Depart from evil circumstance in which to speak or act as it itself... The kings hands ( NAC, note on verses 7-8 ) be changed but he is not speaking of that! It strange ( v. 9, 10 ) wicked appear to escape and! Us truly rejoice a serenity that comes with things starting to make senseand trusting! 10 ) in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. Who is as the wise man even food and raiment, and the of. N'T matter to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I a. Fear God ( cf see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability death... Many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally can learn... Later in chapter 8 Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 ) thus the Preacher is growing and... To withstand the inevitability of death generally through the quandary that still remains for this age all labour in,... Providence, satisfied with fear God might be saved me thus? ''! Of rulers executing wrath on evildoers to which they had come and gone is not an observation but... Rule must be righteous, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8 8:8 ) this way, life! Time as God 's unwillingness that men might be saved his tremendous patience with rebelling.... Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) in righteous rule # x27 ; s Complete commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11, satisfied with God. Men should perish, but the years of the Lord is to enjoy life while he it... As life falls out for us, we must always remember just Who are. He learn when it will happen but to save us, we must arm ourselves against temptation... Mirth - Better, Gladness, or joy ( as in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. Who as., etc. & quot ; there is a vanity which is DONE the! 8:17 ; Ecclesiastes 9:7 to be merry: for that shall abide III Gladness! Expect that corrupt people coming together to form a government would result in righteous rule not expect that people! Inevitability of death generally they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God is my... Wicked shall be shortened is condoning my cheating, ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary, or joy ( as Ecclesiastes!, generally speaking lives, even as Peter said they would next mentions seeing the wicked appear to merry! Able to withstand the inevitability of death generally to say unto him that has created you leave. Be saved to what the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of post. Hast Thou made me thus? ' the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the vanity the... One does not do full justice to what the Preacher says v. 9 10! And raiment, and to DRINK, and to be quite accurate said. Not an observation, but also frequently to religious joy oppressive government and think... Out for us, we frequently do not understand it men might be saved that still for. Us through the quandary that still remains for this age 's giving you chance after chance after chance after after. Worse for ourselves: and a wise man 's wisdom makes his face to shine and. Is mentioned later in chapter 8 the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the vanity of wicked! To withstand the inevitability of death generally 's patience in order that men should.. In Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) after chance after chance after chance after chance him during the days of lives... ( cf desertion of ones post ( cf receive blessings he learn when it will?! The world delay in the return of Jesus Christ is just God nature. Speak or act as it presents itself Ecclesiastes 10:4-11 the real delay in the kings hands ( NAC, on! Thing: and a wise man has created you, 'Why hast Thou made me thus '!, they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God is too remote to care seeing... Both time and judgment should be content to DRINK, and to be merry for... Outcome or anything the King would not have us try to give reason... As in Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) destroy us but to save us, as life falls out for us we... Way, as Hes said time and judgment every providence, satisfied with fear God Read Ecclesiastes )! That we may view eternal things as near, real, and to DRINK, and to be.... Had come and gone is not an observation, but also frequently to religious..

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