传道书 8:3 CUVS

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:1-5

Here is, I. An encomium of wisdom (Eccl. 8:1), that is, of true piety, guided in all its exercises by prudence and discretion. The wise man is the good man, that knows God and glorifies him, knows himself and does well for himself; his wisdom is a great happiness to him, for, 1. It advances him above his neighbours, and makes him more excellent than they: Who is as the wise man? Note, Heavenly wisdom will make a man an incomparable man. No man without grace, though he be learned, or noble, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Be not hasty to go out of his sight ,.... But of the sight of the King of kings. Do not think to hide thyself from him, for there is no fleeing from his presence, Psalm 139:7 ; it is best, when under some consternation, as the word F25 אל תבהל "ne consterneris", Gejerus, and some in Rambachius. signifies, or under some fearful apprehension of his wrath and indignation, to fall down before him, acknowledge the offence, and pray for pardon: and to this purpose is the Targum, "and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Be not hasty - I consider the first five verses here as directions to courtiers, and the more immediate servants of kings. Be steadily faithful to your sovereign. Do not stand in an evil thing. If you have done wrong, do not endeavor to vindicate yourself before him; it is of no use; his power is absolute, and he will do what he pleases. He will take his own view of the subject, and he will retain it. The language of a despotic sovereign was ever this, Sic volo sic jubeo, stat pro ratione... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Section 5. There is no use in repining or rebelling; true wisdom counsels obedience to the powers that be , and submission to the dispensations of Providence . However oppressive a tyrant may prove sure retribution awaits him. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Further advice concerning political behavior. Be not hasty to go out of his (the king's) sight . Do not, from some hasty impulse, or induced by harsh treatment, cast off your allegiance to your liege lord. We have the phrase, "go away," in the sense of quitting of service or desertion of a duty, in Genesis 4:16 ; Hosea 11:2 . So St. Peter urges servants to be subject unto their masters, "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" ( 1 Peter 2:18 ). Solomon might have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Stand not ... - i. e., “Do not persist in rebellion.” read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 8:2-4

Ecclesiastes 8:2-4. I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment All his commands which are not contrary to the will of God, who must be obeyed rather than any man, even rather than a king. In regard of the oath of God Because of that oath which thou hast taken to keep all God’s laws, whereof this of obedience to superiors is one. Be not hasty to go out of his sight Hebrew, to go from his face or presence, namely, in dislike or discontent to withdraw thyself from the king’s service,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

Compromise, despair and joy (8:1-17)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). If, for example, people work in the king’s 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. But if they find the king’s command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out. They will wait for a suitable... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 8:3

stand not = do not take thy stand. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Syriac, and Vulg, read, "and stand not". read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:2-4

Ecclesiastes 8:2-4. I counsel thee to keep, &c.— I tell thee, observe thou the king's face; nay, mind it in regard to the oath: be not hasty: Ecclesiastes 8:3. Go out of his presence; stay not whilst he gives wrong orders; for whatsoever pleaseth him, he will do; Ecclesiastes 8:4. Because the word of a king is an absolute command, and who shall say, &c.? The word rendered God, in the second verse, אלהים elohiim, sometimes signifies men in authority, princes or magistrates; and I know... read more