Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:6-8

Solomon had said (Eccl. 8:5) that a wise man's heart discerns time and judgment, that is, a man's wisdom will go a great way, by the blessing of God, in moral prognostications; but here he shows that few have that wisdom, and that even the wisest may yet be surprised by a calamity which they had not any foresight of, and therefore it is our wisdom to expect and prepare for sudden changes. Observe, 1. All the events concerning us, with the exact time of them, are determined and appointed in the... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:6

Because to every purpose there is time and judgment ,.... There is a fit season, and a right and proper manner of doing everything that is to be done; see Ecclesiastes 3:1 ; which a wise man discerns; and which when a man hits upon, it prevents a great deal of mischief, which for want of it comes upon men, as the following clause shows; some refer this to the punishment of the wicked, and to a future judgment. So the Targum, "to every business there is a time good and evil, and according... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:6

To every purpose there is time - חפץ chaphets , every volition, every thing that depends on the will of man. He has generally the opportunity to do whatever he purposes; and as his purposes are frequently evil, his acts are so too: and in consequence his misery is great. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:6

Because . This and the three following clauses all begin with ki , "since," "for," and the conjunction ought to have been similarly rendered in all the places. Thus here, for to every purpose there is time and judgment . Here commences a chain of argument to prove the wisdom of keeping quiet under oppression or evil rulers. Everything has its appointed time of duration, and in due course will be brought to judgment (see Ecclesiastes 3:1 , Ecclesiastes 3:17 ; 41:14). Therefore ... 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

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