Eclesiastés 8:7 NTV

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 8:7

For he knoweth not that which shall be ,.... Or that "it shall be" F2 מה שיהיה "quod futurum est", Pagninus, Montanus. ; that he ever shall have the opportunity again he has lost, nor what is to come hereafter; what shall be on the morrow, or what shall befall him in the remaining part of his days; what troubles and sorrows he shall meet with, or what will be the case and circumstances of his family after his death; for who can tell him when it shall be ? or "how it shall be" ... 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 8:7

For he knoweth not that which shall be . The subject may be man in general, or more probably the evil tyrant. The clause contains a third reason for patience. The despot cannot foresee the future, and goes on blindly filling up the measure of his iniquity, being unable to take any precautions against his inevitable fate ( Proverbs 24:22 ). Quem Deus vult perdere prius dementat . For who can tell him when it shall be ? rather, how it shall be . The fourth portion of the argument.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:7

When - Or, as in the margin. For the meaning of this verse, compare marginal references. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 8:6-7

Ecclesiastes 8:6-7. Because to every purpose there is a time, &c. There is a fit way and season for the accomplishment of every business, which is known to God, but for the most part hidden from man. See notes on Ecclesiastes 3:1. Therefore the misery of man is great Because there are few who have wisdom to discern this, most men expose themselves to manifold miseries. For he knoweth not that which shall be Men are generally ignorant of future events, and of the success of their... 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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:7

7. he—the sinner, by neglecting times (for example, "the accepted time, and the day of salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2), is taken by surprise by the judgment (Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 6:12; Ecclesiastes 9:12). The godly wise observe the due times of things (Ecclesiastes 9:12- :), and so, looking for the judgment, are not taken by surprise, though not knowing the precise "when" (Ecclesiastes 9:12- :); they "know the time" to all saving purposes (Ecclesiastes 9:12- :). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

The value of Wisdom 8:1-9In Solomon’s day, the king had far-reaching power over his subjects. Therefore it became imperative to avoid his wrath. We must keep this background in view because it lies behind what Solomon said in chapter 8. read more