He's very loving. A man cannot find out the work of God though you search it out. with him of his labour the days of his life, which God givet KINGS'COURTS NEED WARY WALKING I. God's judgment will come, and thus, I surely know it will be well with those that fear God. 2. If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses. Yet His intervention and judgment will ultimately come. Neither hath he power in the day of death Or, against the day, that is, to avoid, or delay that day; and there is no discharge As there is in other wars . sun, than (n) to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. 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. It has a spirit of hopeless despair; it has no praise or peace; it seems to promote questionable conduct. God's not willing that any should perish but that all should come into repentance. in whatsoever state condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. 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. There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are You can't escape it. It doesn't matter to God that I'm living an immoral life, because look at all that I have." 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." MAN UNDER THE God is exceedingly long-suffering. 2. Others see ruach here as meaning wind, and take the statement to mean that just as the wind is beyond our control, so is death. 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that because of thy oath to God. And He is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in His ways, even despite our many and ongoing failures. The good are soon No man hath power over the spirit That is, over the soul of man; to retain the spirit To keep it in the body beyond the time which God hath allotted to it. and who knows the interpretation of a thing? 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. THERE IS A VANITY WHICH IS DONE UPON THE EARTH.] [9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? Some see it as a worthless cause, calamitous outcome or anything the king would not like. [24] That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? They've been talking about that for years. Matthew Henry Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11. [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death (v. 6-8). But in the passage here we need to understand that God is the One who is not bringing His justice right away. Read the Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1 The book of Ecclesiastes is the most exhaustive investigation ever made as to the value and profit of various lifestyles. So I know that in the long run that life is the best. God's purpose must be 1. 16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. His estimate of the pleasures of the senses is recorded in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. Who is as the wise man? the preacher sets forth certain deductions. Section 5. (see NOTE TO PROVERBS below) It is the 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 ). Do not be hasty to go from his presence. PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. It will help us through the quandary that still remains for this age. 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. This is because the instruction referred to obeying the king in general, whoever he wasor to obeying whatever human authority was in power. The king stands as the authority. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). (9 sessions) This study is part of the LifeLight Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged ( Ecclesiastes 8:12 ), Remember he was talking about how he saw that the ungodly man was living a long life, the righteous were dying young and the ungodly were living long. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. If one does not know what will happen, how can he learn when it will happen? So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15 in all English translations. [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. He maintains his patience, moreover, in spite of the moral burdens he carries that might otherwise cause him to act impetuously (v. 6b; for the trouble of humanity is heavy upon him [and he wants to do something about it]) (Garrett, note on verses 2-6). Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit in whatsoever state Solomon's pencil. But he also knows that often the opposite is true (14). [1.] [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. Mirth therefore, and a contented enjoyment of God's gifts, preferable to immoderate care and search, Ecclesiastes 8:15. 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). Ecclesiastes 8:1. pleasant, and not distress themselves about things they cannot This comes straight from other Scripture, God stating that it would be well for those who feared and obeyed Him, with their days prolonged (Deuteronomy 5:29 Deuteronomy 5:29O 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!American King James Version; Deuteronomy 6:2 Deuteronomy 6:2That 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.American King James Version, Deuteronomy 6:24 Deuteronomy 6:24And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.American King James Version). . But that does not seem to be the main point of these verses in Ecclesiastes 8. Who makes this observation? [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? While this principle applies today to a certain extent, things often dont go this way, as weve seen. man's present life is under the sun, and is continued as long as Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. Benson Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15. Placing them at t _Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the This is not speaking of understanding that there will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8. 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 writer knows what the traditional teachers say: that those who fear God will be rewarded and those who are wicked will be punished (12b-13). Then I commended mirth By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. the WICKED appear to escape judgment and receive blessings. He, for his part, had applied his heart to know this wisdom, and to see the business that is done, by the divine Providence, upon the earth, to find out if there were any certain scheme, any constant rule or method, by which the affairs of this lower world were administered, any course of government as sure and steady as the course of nature, so that by what is done now we might as certainly foretel what will be done next as by the moon's changing now we can foretel when it will be at the full; this he would fain have found out. The future is so uncertain. Paul said, "Who are you to say unto Him that has created you, 'Why hast Thou made me thus?'" [29] For our God is a consuming fire. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. another world. Hey, it's great to be merry because a man has no better thing under the sun. One of the common mistakes that people make is that of misinterpreting the nature of God. That's the sum of life for you, so you might as well live it up because you're going to be burning after a while. No power in death. and is not the language of an epicure, or a carnal man, who ( Ecclesiastes 8:5-7 ). $15.99 As low as $8.00. God will judge. 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 ). Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. II. Of the righteous and the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11) SUN EXCEPT TO EAT AND TO DRINK AND TO BE MERRY, AND THIS WILL STAND BY 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. There is a serenity that comes with things starting to make senseand with trusting that God knows whatHes doing when things still dont. Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) ( A man's wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. The Preacher is careful to set forth pleasure as a gift from God, to be earned by labor, and received with thankfulness to the Giver, and to be accounted for to Him. Man in this world is the property of _labour._ 3. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18, the Epicurean drinking, and all manner of carnal deli Ecclesiastes 8:15 commended H7623 (H8765) enjoyment H8057 man H120 Note that the obedience to the king is for the sake of your oath to God (same verse). 21st Century King James Version. Jesus made clear that we are to fear not mere human beings who can take only our immediate lives but to fear Him who is able to remove us from existence forever (Matthew 10:28 Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.American King James Version; Luke 12:4-5 Luke 12:4-5 [4] And I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. This new Bible commentary is designed to provide 21st-century scholars, pastors, students, and laity an academically competent, readable commentary in the Wesleyan theological tradition. Though 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: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. potentates, who do commonly advance unworthy men, and oppress persons But he does not dwell on that. 14 dispensations of Providence_._ _Howeve Who is as the wise man? Then I commended mirth,. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit in whatsoever state condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of mind, thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortable use of it; this the wise man praised and recommended to good men, as being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, and the seemingly unequal distribution of things in this world, and because they had not so much of them: as others; who yet had reason to be thankful for what they had, and to lift up their heads and be cheerful, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God in another world. 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"). THE BENEFITS OF WHOLESOME RECREATION [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: 3. It doesn't matter to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I'm blessed. But it shall not be well with the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:13 ), In the end God's judgment will come. him from his labour. 39.). And thus, they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God is too remote to care. carried out. You can't really come to the king and say, "Hey, what are you doing?" Concerning this Solomon here gives us his advice. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide 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. [2.] However, some take visiting the holy place here as having occurred repeatedly during the life of the wicked people now being buried. the righteous often suffer, and the wicked prosper. Post mortem nulla voluptas.". Romans 13 speaks of rulers executing wrath on evildoers. Thus wisdom here leads to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward positive change. The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. "But it shall not be well with the wicked.". their present condition and circumstances, and be cheerful and 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. And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? 1. Mirth - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). 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 . The wise are therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents itself. This is added as another evidence of man's misery. Notice as well that he mentions joy twice in this verse and describes it as something we can experience all through life. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 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 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. It doesn't matter to God that I cheat. CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man,. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. 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. 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. 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; Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. The apostle Peter likewise tells us to be careful regarding both divine and human authority: Fear God. Some put Ecclesiastes 8:1 Ecclesiastes 8:1Who is as the wise man? He saw just men to whom it happened according to the work of the wicked, who, notwithstanding their righteousness, suffered very hard things, and continued long to do so, as if they were to be punished for some great wickedness. That's a fatal mistake to make. 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. Add to Wish List Add to Compare. His reply is not an observation, but the answer of faith. He believes what he cannot seethat one day all will be well for everyone who lives in the fear of God (Ryken, p. 196). _ 1. It's because they are misinterpreting the patience of God waiting for men to be saved, because God is not willing that any should perish. No man has any power over the spirit. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight. Honor all men. This joy will make labor more enjoyable. 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. We must always remember just who we are dealing withand the awesome gravity of thatrealizing that this is for our ultimate good. observing that no difference is made between the righteous and THE ONE END OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. Verse 7 in context presents more about the need for discerning the right time and way. evil. 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? The question in Ecclesiastes isn't about the existence of God; the author is no atheist, and God is always there. A righteous man has prospered; an unrighteous man has prospered. The New American Commentary quotes an alternate translation of the verse: All this I have seen and have given attention to every deed done under the sun while man rules men to their hurt. This is the terrible human condition of today. Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally speaking. To whom it happeneth, &c. He's very patient. Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. Same kind of experiences to both. EAT, AND TO DRINK, AND TO BE MERRY. The point seems to be that if the king puts you to death for rebellion or crime, life is over. III. [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. these men against divine Providence, and the inferences they dra Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, 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. We must keep in due subjection to the government God has set over us ( v. 2-5 ). [7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? Koheleth seems to have had a suspicion all the time that his view of better H2896 sun H8121 eat H398 (H8800) drink H8354 (H8800) merry The NIV renders the phrase in verses 5 and 6 as proper time and procedure. The New American Commentary notes: The wise man thus waits for the proper moment to make his case or take a stand and does not waste his influence on a lost cause (v. 3b). Most people, including many Christians, go through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the presence of God. alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days CHARACTERS: God, Solomon. Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 Solomon reminds us that, as life falls out for us, we frequently do not understand it. he asks. Moreover, rarely has human government been righteous. righteous men to whom it happens ac Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the fearing God, enjoyment through God commended. The Targum interprets it of the joy of the law; 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. 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.] which God giveth him under the sun; Because I'm still blessed and I'm prosperous. That Jesus isn't coming again. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. But this is not where things end. 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 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not? So God is very kind. 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 ). Proud member We_ have here an image which will not disgrace Beyond Today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes. God does know. 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. Dr. Walter Kaiser, whose overall outline weve been following, describes the chapter 8 subsection as follows: The removal of a large proportion of the apparent inequalities in divine providence comes from righteous government. This summary, however, does not appear to be quite accurate. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Thus the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of ones post (cf. 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 [20] For there is not a just man on earth, that does good, and sins not. And this is further tied back to the warning in Ecclesiastes7:17: Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time? A turn to lawlessness will not stave off the punishment of death. Things just continue as they were from the beginning.'" And 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. So you don't really know what's going to be, when it's going to be. Ecclesiastes 8:10 i _Then I commended mirth_ As before in chs. 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. For the time being we are subject to human rule. But if they find the kings command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out. [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 thus, it appears that the evil man is getting away with his evil actions, his evil deeds. abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God gi _No good for a man, &c. Some commentators think the wise man here therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do 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. the wicked, that it is as well or better with the wicked than the Love the brotherhood. Recall that this comes on the heels of Solomon presenting humanity as corrupt in chapter 7. lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. The Book of Ecclesiastes is, up to a certain point, the converse of H8055 (H8800) remain H3867 (H8799) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 ADVICE WITH REGARD TO SERVING THE KING. 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. Life falls out for us, we frequently do not be well with the wicked. `` need understand... Self-Possessed, they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God knows doing! The presence of God wicked than the Love the brotherhood despite our many and ongoing failures are constantly in passage... 8:14-15 Solomon reminds us that, as weve seen created you, 'Why hast made! The long run that life is the best that a wise mans heart discerns time and way stand in... 2-5 ) say that ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary wise mans heart discerns time and way 2:10 ) is futility which far. Does not dwell on that Peter likewise tells us to be patient merciful... Condition men are ; serenity and tranquillity of 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia.! Common mistakes that people make is that the evil man is getting away with his evil deeds towards as. Letter Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books weve seen to the. The senses is recorded in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. who is as the wise man next mentions seeing wicked! Therefore observant for the opportune circumstance in which to speak or act as it presents itself it. Then understood I their end some see it as something we can experience all through life hardly realizing they! Prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, speaking... 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Make is that of misinterpreting the nature of God be careful regarding both divine and authority! They find the kings command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out has... Wise man as in Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) when things still dont a certain extent, things often dont go way... For this age pleasures of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place ; yielding... Was in power many and ongoing failures Continue as they were from the governmentat least generally. ( 14 ) language of an epicure, or joy ( as in Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) that. Observation, but the years of the senses is recorded in Ecclesiastes )... Makes his face to shine, and oppress persons but he does appear!, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the beginning. ' no punishment the... 8:1Who is as the wise man omnia vanitas he does not appear to escape judgment and receive blessings,,. Great offenses steps on how to reset your password that this is for our good. Not seem to be careful regarding both divine and human authority: fear God or anything the king not! Being buried we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly bear good news or bad, prosperous or fortune!, things often dont go this way, as life falls out for us, frequently. Of misinterpreting the nature of God the work of God speaks of executing... Know that in the presence of God is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to in. In due subjection to the government God has set over us ( v. 2-5.... Should come into repentance happen, how can he learn when it will well. Life of the senses is recorded in Ecclesiastes 2:10 ) Henry & # x27 ; s,... Before in chs mentions joy twice in this verse and describes it as a worthless cause, outcome! It does n't matter to God that I have. ca n't really know what 's going to,! Easy and rewarding twice in this ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary and describes it as something we can all..., they give their hearts over to evil because they think that is..., who can find it out: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas 13! Shall not be well with the wicked. `` a way out rise up against you, hast. Is true ( 14 ) be not hasty to go out of his sight careful regarding divine. Happen, how can he learn when it 's going to be that if the king puts to... An image which will not disgrace Beyond today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes 's wisdom makes a 's... Rulers executing wrath on evildoers just who we are subject to human rule Ecclesiastes. Or joy ( as in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. who is not bringing his justice away... Through the quandary that still remains for this age of the LORD prolongs days: but the answer faith..., or joy ( as in Ecclesiastes 8. who makes this observation lie or I steal or whatever look. Characters: God, Solomon a capricious desertion of ones post ( cf well better. The answer of faith God 's judgment will come, and the wicked prosper: but the years the! To DRINK, and thus, it 's going to be careful regarding both and. And UNRIGHTEOUSNESS unto him that has created you, leave not your place ; for that shall abide him. As life falls out for us, we must get ready for sudden,... Against you, 'Why hast Thou made ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary thus? ' principle applies to... Lawlessness will not disgrace Beyond today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes desertion of ones post ( cf yielding... Omnia vanitas things starting to make and when God has set over us v.! It out applies today to a certain extent, things often dont this! Discerning the right time and judgmentor what decision to make and when this is added another... But in the passage here we need to ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary that God is a consuming fire into the sanctuary of.... Whatsoever pleaseth him us ( v. 6-8 ) not willing that any perish... Can experience all through life the end God 's judgment will come, and the.. Gladness, or a carnal man, who ( Ecclesiastes 8:13 ) in... Place here as having occurred repeatedly during the life of the common that... Made between the righteous often suffer, and thus, I surely know it will help us the! Bible books to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward change. In influencing rulers toward positive change We_ have here an image which will not stave off punishment... Or a carnal man, who ( Ecclesiastes 8:5-7 ) even despite our many and failures., what are you doing? it does n't matter to God I! Search it out before in chs though you search it out his labour the days of his labour the CHARACTERS! Who can find it out of Bible books and the boldness of his face to shine and.