Ecclesiastes 8

Ecclesiastes 8:1

How few are truly wise, and can rightly take up or expound the words or works of God! And yet it is wisdom that renders a man truly honourable, mild, and majestic

Ecclesiastes 8:2

The laws of a king ought to be obeyed, not only from fear of the penalty, but from regard to God, whose deputy he is, and to the oath of allegiance sworn to him by the name and in the presence of God, as witness and guardian of it

Ecclesiastes 8:3

We must behave ourselves submissively; and never, through passion or discontent, withdraw from his service, or cast off our allegiance; for his power being so great, it is very dangerous to contend with him

Ecclesiastes 8:4

A king has power to enforce his commands; and none can oppose him without apparent danger

Ecclesiastes 8:5

He, who prudently complies with the king’s pleasure in lawful things, shall avoid the trouble and danger which he would otherwise incur. And it will require wisdom to direct in what time and manner we may deal with him to the best advantage

Ecclesiastes 8:6

For, through inattention to the proper time, and to proper direction in managing matters, men bring much trouble upon themselves: 7. For they are generally ignorant what things are to happen, and of the time in which what they expect will come to pass

Ecclesiastes 8:8

None, neither by force nor entreaty, nor by wickedness, 3 are capable of preventing the removal of their soul from this world in God’s appointed time, and by his appointed means

Ecclesiastes 8:9

I have observed that rulers, by their management, often bring guilt and ruin upon themselves

Ecclesiastes 8:10

I have observed wicked rulers, notwithstanding the greatest funeral pomp, quickly forgotten in the very city in which they had often in God’s name administered judgment. So vain and perishing are all the pomp and power of the greatest

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because God in mercy sometimes delays to punish open transgressors of his law, hardened sinners, in a most presumptuous manner, abandon themselves to all manner of mischief and wickedness

Ecclesiastes 8:12

But, though the sinner’s days of reprieve, or even of prosperity, should be prolonged for a time, yet it is only they who truly fear God, and walk in his ways, that will be happy at last

Ecclesiastes 8:13

Wicked despisers of God shall not enjoy the true comforts of life, and shall be quickly hurried into misery here or hereafter

Ecclesiastes 8:14

It is, however, afflicting that some eminent saints are reproached, persecuted, and distressed, in this world, while some ringleaders in wickedness meet with kind usage and remarkable prosperity

Ecclesiastes 8:15

This makes it evident that nothing is more proper than soberly and thankfully to enjoy what God in his providence bestows upon us in this world, as all the reward that we can gain by our labour. 16, 17. It is best to refrain from curious inquiries into the seasons, ends, and meaning, of God’s dispensations; for, after the most diligent, curious, and persevering search, I find they will still remain unsearchable to men

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VIII.—What excellency in himself—usefulness among neighbours—honour among friends—and courage among enemies—the true knowledge and fear of God give to a man! But it is foolish and sinful to disregard the laws of our rulers; to be forward in finding fault with their administrations; to persist in faults pointed out to us; or to neglect proper methods of obtaining redress of our grievances. Subjection to magistrates is highly necessary, not only for conscience sake, but even for avoiding their wrath and securing our own comfort. Certain and irresistible in themselves, though uncertain in their circumstances, are troubles and death to sinful men. But when we see wicked men prosper while the godly are oppressed, there is need of patience, and of looking by faith to the unseen, the eternal, issue of things: and, in the mean while, to make the best use we can of what we meet with, and leave it to the Lord to comprehend and manage his own mysterious works. 4