Ecclesiastes 8:5

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 8:5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing ,.... Either the commandment of an earthly king, which should be kept, when agreeably to the laws of the nation, and not inconsistent with the commands of God; and such as do observe it "know no evil" F1 לא ידע "non cognoscet", Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Rambachius, Cocceius. , as it may be rendered, or no sorrow; they live peaceably and quietly, and enjoy the favour and protection of the government under which they are, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:5

Both time and judgment - It is a matter of great importance to be able to discern When and How both to speak and act; but when time and manner are both determined, the matter comes next. What shall I speak? What shall I do? When, how, and what answer to time, manner, and knitter. To discern all these, and act suitably, is a lesson for a philosopher, and a study for a Christian. 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 8:5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing . This is an encouragement to obedience to royal authority (comp. Proverbs 24:21 , Proverbs 24:22 ; Romans 13:3 ). The context plainly shows that it is not God's commandment that is spoken of (though, of course, the maxim would be very true in this case), but the king's. Nor is it necessarily a servile and unreasoning obedience that is enjoined. Koheleth is dealing with generals. Such cases as that of Daniel and the three children,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:5

Feel - literally, know. The meaning is, “He who obeys the commandment (i. e., the word of the king, Ecclesiastes 8:4), will not be an accomplice in any act of rebellion; and if he be a wise man he discerns (literally knows) that the king’s commandment or action is liable to correction, if it be wrong, in God’s time and by God’s judgment.” Compare Ecclesiastes 3:11, Ecclesiastes 3:17. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 8:5

Ecclesiastes 8:5. Whoso keepeth the commandment Solomon here passes to a new subject; shall feel no evil thing Shall be delivered from those mischiefs which befall the disobedient. A wise man’s heart discerneth, &c. Both when, and in what manner, he must keep the commands of God. 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 8:5

feel = know. evil = calamity. Hebrew. ra'a'. time and judgment = a time, yea, a judgment time. Figure of speech Hendiadys. App-6 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:5

Ecclesiastes 8:5. Whoso keepeth the commandment— He that observeth despotic commands, will not discern a wrong order; but the wise man's heart will discern both time and reason: (Ecclesiastes 8:6.) For there is both time and reason to every determination of his will; because man's evils are multiplied upon him (Ecclesiastes 8:7.) by his not knowing futurity; for who will shew him what turn things shall take? Desvoeux. By means of his translation, the opposition is exactly kept up, and every... read more

Group of Brands