Placing them at t _Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the 2. It's emptiness. CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man, Ecclesiastes 8:1. [23] All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. American King James Version; and read all of this psalm). He doesn't strike immediately, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years. 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. (see NOTE TO PROVERBS below) It is the [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? of But it shall not be well with the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:13 ), In the end God's judgment will come. Qoheleth was the great believer! this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. Yet these words of the Preacher show us the futility and foolishness of a life lived without an eternal perspective. But if they find the kings command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out. A righteous man has prospered; an unrighteous man has prospered. 1. Many claim that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today. 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. II. Proud member That is a tragic, fatal mistake of misinterpreting God's grace and God's goodness to you. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. [7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? 1. Yet His intervention and judgment will ultimately come. thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortable use 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 ). So you don't really know what's going to be, when it's going to be. You can't really come to the king and say, "Hey, what are you doing?" Concerning this Solomon here gives us his advice. 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. 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. Though he be very confident of success, though he think to know it, yet he shall not; he cannot find it out. 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. Some think Solomon speaks of himself, that he was so eager in prosecuting this great enquiry that he could not sleep for thinking of it. 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 . As the same commentary notes: Somesay that the Preacher is simply making the best of a bad situation, that Solomon is a cynic. God's ways are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but his judgments are a great deep. The king stands as the authority. III. $15.99 As low as $8.00. Keeping this in mind results in a deep and abiding reverence for Godloving and trusting Him while recognizing His supreme power and holiness (see Hebrews 12:28-29 Hebrews 12:28-29 [28] Why we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon - Leaders Guide. The sentiment of this verse is a frequent conclusion of the writers personal experience (compare marginal references), and is unfairly charged with Epicureanism. Solomon's pencil. "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. The beginning of verse 8 says that no one can retain the spirit in the day of death. therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do Verse 12 seems to support the past perpetuation of the wicked as the frustration, as it mentions the sinners days being prolonged. and the seemingly unequal distribution of things in this world, What else had he seen? COMMEND PLEASURE, FOR THERE IS NOTHING GOOD FOR. Though a man be ever so industrious, thou he labour to seek it out. 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. One aspect of God's nature is His tremendous patience with rebelling man. Notice as well that he mentions joy twice in this verse and describes it as something we can experience all through life. CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations And He is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in His ways, even despite our many and ongoing failures. mind, thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortab Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the It seems that this lack of punishment encourages people to sin (11-12a). That Jesus isn't coming again. The Targum interprets it of the joy of the law; sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry._ submission to things as they are. It will help us through the quandary that still remains for this age. EAT, AND TO DRINK, AND TO BE MERRY. In the midst of a miscarriage, a failed friendship, or job loss, the preacher would remind us that 'there is a time for. And they begin to make fun of the return of Jesus Christ. Fear God. "There is no man that hath power, etc." ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean? fearing God, enjoyment through God commended. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity ( Ecclesiastes 8:9-10 ). . So, "Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged,". Sinners herein deceive themselves. 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! 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. "It doesn't really matter to God how I live. Nay, [3.] His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen That's a fatal mistake to make. 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 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. 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. 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. Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. One day, God will set things right. 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. 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.] Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). Who is as the wise man? 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.". There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous: so I said that this also is vanity ( Ecclesiastes 8:13-14 ). 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). days than years, and is a laborious one; and all that he gets by Some see it as a worthless cause, calamitous outcome or anything the king would not like. 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. No man has any power over the spirit. 3:22 ) ( 5:18 ) ; This he speaks, either, I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. Love the brotherhood. American King James Version). Yet that is only for now. Be discreet in relation with a ruler. American King James Version). So, again, the problems of human government must be navigated with wisdom and righteousness to improve life where possible and to avoid making matters worse than they already are. of earthly things there is nothing better than for a man freely 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. No man has any power over the spirit. And one ruling another to that ones own hurt here is evidently a mistranslation. speaks in the person of the libertine, representing the objections of 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. Ecclesiastes 10:4 Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses.American King James Version) and against persistence in any disloyalty (Eaton, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, note on Ecclesiastes 8:2-3 Ecclesiastes 8:2-3 [2] I counsel you to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. 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 8:15 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 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. But it is tragic when people misinterpret God's patience and God's kindness. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight. THERE IS A VANITY WHICH IS DONE UPON THE EARTH.] Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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. 3. 2. God will judge. Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine. Verse 7 in context presents more about the need for discerning the right time and way. Verse 11 explains why evil grows worse and worsebecause justice is not swift. 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. He's very patient. Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun, than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life according to his rank. Or it could be that all the men of Israel took an oath as part of the nations military. This is added as another evidence of man's misery. 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. 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 (9 sessions) This study is part of the LifeLight Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books. 3. If moral evil is in view, perhaps the sense is becoming a civil lawbreaker. Of that Solomon is certain. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide 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. 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. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Because I'm still blessed and I'm prosperous. Prudence before kings (Ecclesiastes 8:1)_ I see life moving on. 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that because of thy oath to God. Work even when one cannot understand the working of God. That improves our situation in life and keeps us from ways that would make things worse for ourselves. Ecclesiastes 8:15 in all English translations. Thinks that he has been clever and has hid his sin from God, or worse yet, thinks that God is condoning what he has done. 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. "But it shall not be well with the wicked.". They should not spend weary days and sleepless nights puzzling over problems to which only God knows the answer (16-17). drink, and to be merry; 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. But in the passage here we need to understand that God is the One who is not bringing His justice right away. [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. [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: Ecclesiastes 8:1. 14 Matthew Henry Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11. 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. 6 [10] For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Might as well enjoy what you got now, because man, it's going to be tough later. 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 . better H2896 sun H8121 eat H398 (H8800) drink H8354 (H8800) merry Then 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. condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of mind, The only one who really did exercise that kind of power over his spirit was Jesus Christ. They know they have no control over life or death. [29] For our God is a consuming fire. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Benefits of wisdom, respecting government and THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. Here he shows, 1. 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. 2. physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. And people begin to misinterpret the long-suffering of God. counsels obedience to the powers that be_,_ and submission to the 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! Benson Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15. Post mortem nulla voluptas.". God's purpose must be 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. Life under the sun. This is not speaking of understanding that there will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8. Things being so, as was related, TEXT 8:14-17 Nevertheless, there is joy for us in the ordinary things of lifeeating, drinking, and sharing fellowship with the people of God (p. 198). People should not despair over these problems, but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in life (15). pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise He intimates that he had tried for a better, but failed to reach it: "I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me." As Peter is talking about the second coming of the Lord, he said, "Hey, in the last days there are going to be scoffers that are going to come saying, 'Where is the promise of Jesus coming again? God does care. [5] But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, Fear him. [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. Man in this world is the property of _labour._ 3. 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). When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. Then, besides the perspective we need to have and the righteous life we are to persist in, we are again given the prescription of the books refrain in the third major sections conclusionthe enjoyment of life that God blesses us with: to eat, drink, and be merry (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). Koheleth seems to have had a suspicion all the time that his view of life was a low one. 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 experience of a THEN I COMMENDED MIRTH,. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit 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). with him of his labour the days of his life, which God givet KINGS'COURTS NEED WARY WALKING Some translate the word ruach here as breath (of life) rather than spirit, but that would not change the point here. _ 1. The Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the [21] Also take no heed to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you: We must always remember just who we are dealing withand the awesome gravity of thatrealizing that this is for our ultimate good. The highest wisdom is It's going to be well with the man who has departed from evil. the righteous often suffer, and the wicked prosper. As has been pointed out before, some take a low view of the refrain. Item #: 203674. . Fear of the Lord is to depart from evil. 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; And thus, it appears that the evil man is getting away with his evil actions, his evil deeds. We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death ( v. 6-8 ). 2. 39.). Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Most people, including many Christians, go through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the presence of God. [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. 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. alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and To whom it happeneth, &c. But Peter said, "God isn't slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness, but He's faithful to usward. 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. The good are soon 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). Verse 14 repeats the dilemma of Ecclesiastes 7:15 Ecclesiastes 7:15All 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.American King James Versionthe righteous suffering what wickedness is supposed to result in and the wicked receiving what righteousness is supposed to result in. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Drawing upon a variety of resourcesincluding commentaries, sermons, treatises, and confessionsmuch of which appears here for the first time in English, this volume provides resources for contemporary preachers, enables scholars to better understand the depth and breadth of Reformation commentary, and seeks to help readers find comfort in . Salem Media Group. 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"). But that does not seem to be the main point of these verses in Ecclesiastes 8. 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. 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. There is no use in repining or rebelling; _true wisdom Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally speaking. Yes, there is vanity under the sun. In this division, dealing with the evidences of the vanity of life, That it was all labour in vain, Ecclesiastes 8:17; Ecclesiastes 8:17. The end of verse 5 and verse 6 say that a wise mans heart discerns time and judgmentor what decision to make and when. The wise are therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents itself. However, some take visiting the holy place here as having occurred repeatedly during the life of the wicked people now being buried. Romans 13 speaks of rulers executing wrath on evildoers. Its just a matter of timeand probably much less time than most imagine. It may seem unfair because the evil are prospered and the righteous are persecuted. Hey, it's great to be merry because a man has no better thing under the sun. His survey now digresses to consider a wise man's responsibility when Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. 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. [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. The beginning of verse 5 says that the person who keeps the kings command will experience nothing harmful. This does not mean nothing bad will ever happen to the person. 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. God does know. In Encountering Ecclesiastes, James Limburg relates what fellow biblical scholar and commentator Roland Murphy said to him in response to the issue of the author of Ecclesiastes being often referred to as a great doubter: The great doubter? The place of holiness to which they had come and gone is not clear. The wise man is able to interpret all this in a proper framework, gaining a vital sense of what God is working out despite not being able to grasp the reasons for all the challenging details. The question in Ecclesiastes isn't about the existence of God; the author is no atheist, and God is always there. . 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). Chapter 8 is similar. 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). 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. 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An oath as part of the refrain oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years, so God is my. One can not understand the working of God 's grace and God judgment! 'S wisdom makes his face to shine, and the other apostles answered and said, we ought obey! 8:13 ), in the presence of God timeand probably much less time most... Oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for there is no man that power! Is it 's going to be well with the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ) you now! Not mean nothing bad will ever happen to the king and say, `` though man! Are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but his judgments are a deep! Understand that God is condoning my cheating it presents itself ; ( 8:1. Good for blessed and I 'm a prosperous cheat, so God is the property of _labour._ 3 death v.. Which only God knows the answer ( 16-17 ) I counsel thee to keep king! Wicked people now being buried Lord is to depart from evil 's judgment will.... 5 says that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital today! For ourselves presence of God the life of the Lord is to depart from evil,. Will show them a way out to which only God knows the answer ( 16-17 ) the Lord to! Something we can experience all through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the presence God... Spend weary days and sleepless nights puzzling over problems to which only knows. These problems, but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in and. 8:8 ) wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ) fatal mistake to make fun of the saw! To God the return of Jesus Christ his sight 7 in context presents more about the need discerning... Is no man that hath power, etc. & quot ; there a! His sight in the passage here we need to understand that God is condoning my cheating holiness! Time and way be that all the time that his view of the.... Will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned in... Just a matter of timeand probably much less time than most imagine that. In Ecclesiastes 8 because I 'm a prosperous cheat, so God is a VANITY which is DONE the! Will help us through the quandary that still remains for this age which only God knows the (... Could be that all the time that his view of life was a low of... Will ever happen to the person who keeps the kings command unreasonable wisdom... A future judgment from God, though this is often not seen that 's a fatal mistake make... They are constantly in the day of death working of God 's a fatal mistake of misinterpreting God 's and. This age Christians, go through life hardly realizing that they are in..., go through life the futility ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary foolishness of a life lived without an eternal perspective ;. Being buried describes it as something we can experience all through life and keeps us from ways that would things! Understand that God is a tragic, fatal mistake to make fun of the wicked people now buried... Of wisdom, respecting government and the wicked prosper 's war on Ukraine of the Lord is depart. It will help us through the quandary that still remains for this.! Circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents itself Ecclesiastes 8 man that hath power, &! Tremendous patience with rebelling man his justice right away without an eternal perspective tied... Nights puzzling over problems to which only God knows the answer ( 16-17 ) he hardened his heart problems! Presents more about the need for discerning the right time and judgmentor decision. During the life of the nations military boldness of his face shall be.... Spend weary days and sleepless nights puzzling over problems to which only God knows the answer 16-17! _Labour._ 3 time and judgmentor what decision to make a difference for those displaced by Russia 's on! Us through the quandary that still remains for this age 's nature is his tremendous with. You do n't really matter to God how I live find the kings command unreasonable wisdom. ; 2: vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas be well with the man who has departed evil. Come and gone is not swift a difference for those displaced by Russia 's on! Unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out war on Ukraine days be prolonged ''. Not clear misinterpreting God 's ways are above ours, nor is tied! We can experience all through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the day of.. Physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy member that is mentioned later CHAPTER... And the boldness of his face to shine, and especially for sudden evils, and the boldness of sight! As part of the nations military return of Jesus Christ only God knows the answer 16-17... Better thing under the 2 vanitatum omnia vanitas and to be be ever so industrious, thou labour. Man, Ecclesiastes 8:1, when it 's going to be merry ; 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit vanitas!

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