Ecclesiastes 8:1 HCSB  Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.

A wise person…knows the interpretation. The Hebrew word translated “interpretation” here is the word pesher (which comes from Aramaic). It can be understood as “interpretation” or “solution”. A wise man can get a bad command and know how to interpret it in such a way as to make justice happen anyway. He can take a potentially prickly situation or statement and “spin” it in such a way that peace and unity remains.

Wisdom brightens…sternness is changed. A wise man is known for his kind and gracious demeanor. His speech is “seasoned with grace” (Colossians 4:6) and wholesome in its nature (Ephesians 4:29). In this, the wise are like their Lord.

• Numbers 6:25-26 HCSB  the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you;  (26)  the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace.
  

It is very easy to allow leadership to make one stern – angry even. People are ungrateful and often stupid. They are apathetic about taking personal responsibility for the advancement of the congregation and yet complain about every decision the leader makes that does actually advance their cause. Even if they agree with the decision, they often whine that “that wasn’t done in the right way.” In spite of this, a wise leader will maintain (as much as possible)  a pleasant and peaceful demeanor (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14) . 

Ecclesiastes 8:2-4 HCSB  Keep the king's command. Concerning an oath by God,  (3)  do not be in a hurry. Leave his presence, and don't persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.  (4)  For the king's word is authoritative, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

Keep the king’s command. Respect and limited obedience is repeatedly promoted throughout the Scriptures (Genesis 21:23; Proverbs 14:33-35; 16:14; 20:2; 24:21; Matthew 21:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25; Acts 25:8). Adonaists often refer to this by using the phrase, “dina d’malch’uta dina”, which means “the law of the land is the law.” I say limited obedience because we are not to “follow the crowd in doing wrong” (Exodus 23:2) and are to “obey God rather than man.” (Acts 5:29) Keep your vow to your leaders but remember your vows to God first and foremost (Ecclesiastes 5:2-5 cp Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Matthew 5:33-37).

Concerning an oath by God. This passage’s language is particularly thorny and apparently not just for me. There are several ways that this passage is rendered into English. Not only is the use of the words unusual but it can be translated differently depending on one’s placement of the punctuation. Remember that the punctuation is an English addition and does not appear in the original.

So, after carefully examining the original language, and with all due humility, I respectfully disagree with the way the HCSB translators have rendered this section. I feel that this passage would be better understood as “Keep the king’s command according to your oath before God.” Shevu’at Elohim is used as a genitive of location so I take it as one’s “oath before God.” In my opinion, Qoheleth is saying keep your oath of loyalty to the government (e.g. 1 Chronicles 29:24). This makes more sense to me than to say “keep the king’s command” then switch to the issue of an oath to God, then switch back to the king’s word being authoritative. Rendering it as I do makes the whole passage one seamless thing.

So, I think it would be better to render this as “Keep the king’s command as you vowed before God to do.” Some of us have been in the military or have held political office and have vowed to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; to bear true faith and allegiance to the same; to obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of his appointed offices. That oath has no time limit. It did not expire with the end of enlistment or office.

However, all citizens, whether they have actively spoken the words or not, by accepting the benefits of this great nation, not only are held to that vow but also to absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty. We need to understand that this is an oath before God to which Hashem will hold us. 

Do not be in a hurry. Moving on with this difference of opinion with the HCSB translators, I feel that bahal (pronounced bahel) carries the connotation of alarm. Keeping the first part in mind then, means that it is the king’s command that is causing the wise man to be alarmed or dismayed and tending toward rash action. So, it can be understood, “If the king gives a command that disturbs you, remember your vow to God to serve the king loyally and don’t be in a hurry to leave your place of service.”

We are often too quick to quit. Our leaders don’t do as we think they should and rather than persisting in our service to God, we quit and leave. There is a time for everything; a time to pick up and a time to put down; but Qoheleth advises to be slow to “put down” our obligation to our superiors. We should not rashly resign our positions.

Presence. Cp Ecclesiastes 10:4

Don’t persist in a bad cause since he will do whatever he wants. While we should stand our ground and not be quick to quit, that should be balanced by not insisting on fights that we cannot win. The “bad cause” is not necessarily something that is morally wrong but is simply a bad cause in regards to the king’s will. It is an unwinnable fight. We need to carefully pick our fights. Sometimes, it is better to advise the boss, then let the boss do what he wants and reap the consequences. Whether he or she admits it or not, they will know and remember that you were right and gave them good advice. The next time there is a difference of opinion, they might be more likely to listen to you. Had you quit, you would have lost the benefits of long, patient service. In this, the prophet Daniel who served multiple goyish kings would probably be the prime example. At times, the king’s decision was so appalling that it risked Daniel’s life. Nevertheless, Daniel heeded Adonai’s command to,

• Jeremiah 29:7 HCSB  Seek the welfare of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it has prosperity, you will prosper."
  

Who can say to him, "What are you doing?" (cp Esther 1:19) The government's authority is delegated from God  (Romans 13:1-2) and reflects in a limited way Adonai's sovereignty.

• Isaiah 45:9 HCSB  "Woe to the one who argues with his Maker--one clay pot among many. Does clay say to the one forming it: What are you making? Or does your work say: He has no hands?
  
• Romans 9:20 HCSB  But who are you--anyone who talks back to God? Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"
  

Of course, where Adonai's sovereignty is complete and absolute, human authority is limited by its sin nature and bounded by the superior authority of the Word of God (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; Acts 5:29; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). 

Ecclesiastes 8:5 HCSB  The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

The one who keeps a command. Acumen, gracious tact, accommodation, and maintaining loyalty will keep us fit for duty, whether to our human or to our divine rulers. 

Elohim is looking for people who will not only keep His mitzvoth but will also command their children and their house after them to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just (Genesis 18:19). We need to recognize that obedience is not a one time thing. It is an on-going lifestyle that needs to be perpetuated from generation to generation (Exodus 12:24; Deuteronomy 8:11). Command keeping also entails neither adding nor removing anything from what we've been told (Genesis 3:2-3; Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18). Command keeping is an indication of loving the Lord God with all our heart and soul (Joshua 22:5). Disobeying indicates that we are on our way to forgetting Him (Deuteronomy 8:11). Command keeping puts us in line with God's will (1 Kings 11:38) and thus grants us power and victory not otherwise possible (Deuteronomy 11:8; Revelation 3:10). Disobedience should be subject to discipline, even under the Law of Grace (2 Thessalonians 3:6). 

Will not experience anything harmful. Clearly this is not always the case in this life. Righteous Job encountered terrible calamities as did the perfect Son of God! However, this can be understood two different ways. First, the immediate context is dealing with the relationship between a superior and an underling. In that context, the appropriate derash would be an obedient servant will not suffer the consequences due to the disobedient. Second, we may derive a sod interpretation from the words of our Master who said, 

• Luke 21:16-18 HCSB  You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. (17)  You will be hated by everyone because of My name, (18)  but not a hair of your head will be lost.
  

Though they may be hated, persecuted, betrayed, and even killed, because of the nature of the resurrection, the righteous will lose nothing and gain everything. 

• Job 19:25-27 HCSB  But I know my living Redeemer, and He will stand on the dust at last.  (26)  Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh.  (27)  I will see Him myself; my eyes will look at Him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me.
  

The right time and procedure. Adonaists define tzedekah as right thought and action at the right time and place for the right reason. Tzedekah is concerned with living righteously and implies that in each moment and in each choice, right living and choosing are critical.  
 

Ecclesiastes 8:6 HCSB  For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though man's troubles are heavy on him.

For every activity there is a right time and procedure. We examined Qoheleth's view of "right time" back in chapter three. Here he ads that there is a right way to do everything. This goes along with the Adonaic view of tzedekah being "doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right manner, for the right reasons." Jesus was exquisitely attuned to this principle, refusing to do things out of their appropriate time as much as He refused to say or do anything that the Father did not instruct (John 5:19; 8:26-29). 

Also see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 17.

Even though a man's troubles are heavy on him. We must be committed to tzedekah regardless of the personal cost. Jesus lived His whole life with people questioning His authority, His motives, the source of His power, and even His paternity! He owned nothing, wrote nothing, and in mid-life He was falsely accused, beaten, tortured, mocked, and crucified. How can we balk at the small, temporary prices we might pay for acting like God's holy people? 


Very few of us have fought the yetzer hara or Satan's dark kingdom to the point of shedding our blood.

• Hebrews 12:3-4 HCSB  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart.  (4)  In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
  

We may think, "Yes but that was the Messiah, the Son of God, the Anointed Lamb of God, God's Suffering Servant. I cannot hope to be like Him. I am a mere human." That may very well be, but the Apostle Paul was certainly a sinner like the rest of us, yet he too knew how to continue on in spite of his difficulties.

• 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 HCSB  Are they servants of Christ? I'm talking like a madman--I'm a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times.  (24)  Five times I received from the Jews 40 lashes minus one.  (25)  Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the depths of the sea.  (26)  On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the open country, dangers on the sea, and dangers among false brothers;  (27)  labor and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.  (28)  Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my care for all the churches.  (29)  Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
  

This is why Paul kept urging Timothy (as well as the rest of us) to think of our relationship with Jesus and the world in terms of being soldiers in hostile territory.

• 2 Timothy 2:3 HCSB  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
  

We should not allow our own troubles to be an excuse for not doing our duty. 
 

Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 HCSB  Yet no one knows what will happen, because who can tell him what will happen?  (8)  No one has authority over the wind to restrain it, and there is no authority over the day of death; there is no furlough in battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape.

No one knows....has authority. The course of our lives is in Yahweh's hands (Psalm 31:15). He gave us the bodies we have (for better or for worse) and He is the one who will bring us to heaven and will provide us with a new body (2 Corinthians 5:1-10) and even a new heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1-2)! We don't even have any idea about what will happen over the course of our day - much less the next! We are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while then vanishes (James 4:13-16).   

Over the wind. A euphemism for escaping death, e.g. you have no control over your final breath. This can be seen in the second half of the clause. Yet, Jesus also used a similar metaphor in another sense to a different audience (John 3:8). 

No authority over the day of death. The Master once told the following parable on the issue:

• Luke 12:16-21 HCSB  Then He told them a parable: "A rich man's land was very productive. (17)  He thought to himself, 'What should I do, since I don't have anywhere to store my crops? (18)  I will do this,' he said. 'I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods there. (19)  Then I'll say to myself, "You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."' (20)  "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared--whose will they be?' (21)  "That's how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
  

The rich man certainly wasn't expecting to die that day. Very few people get to know the time of their death, yet all must eventually face death. This is why I like the quote from the Hagakure, the Book of the Samurai: "If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he gains freedom in the Way. His whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling." 

Wickedness will not allow...to escape. If there is one universal truth it is that no one survives life. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That simple equation means we all die. That is what God told us in the Garden (Genesis 2:17) and He does not lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). We are like the skeletons in the picture above. Without Christ (John 1:4) we are the dead burying our dead. We are dancing, singing, playing, and working zombies.  

Until God says different, all creatures die. It doesn't matter if you are human or an animal (Ecclesiastes 3:19). It doesn't matter if you're a sinner or a saint - your body will end up just as dead (Ecclesiastes 9:2). The question is - where will your soul/spirit be?

Ecclesiastes 8:9 HCSB  All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one man has authority over another to his harm.

All this I have seen, applying my mind Back in 1:14, he said he'd seen all the things that are done "under the sun" and found them futile. In 1:17, he told us that this was a deliberate search; he "applied his mind" to this pursuit. In 2:11-12, we see that this was done theoretically. These were not all mind experiments. Many of the philosophies, ideas, or values were put to practical testing. In 4:1, he revealed that it was not only the positive, wholesome truths that he placed under the microscope. He gave equal time under the microscope to human greed, oppression, and evil. Again the conclusion was "futility!" (4:7). It's amazing to me how many people today will make broad, generalized statements on universal truths without having made HALF the effort that Qoheleth did. You may choose to disagree with his conclusions if you like, but you have to concede that he gave the matter due diligence and his conclusions were not lightly drawn!

One man has authority over another to his harm. In 280 and 279 BC, King Pyrrhus of Epirus defeated the Romans at Heraclea during the Pyrrhic War. In both encounters, the Romans suffered more casualties that the King Pyrrhus' army did, but having a larger supply of men, they were able to easily replace their losses and eventually win. This led to the phrase "pyrrhic victory". It means a victory in which one suffered such devastating losses that it can hardly be considered a victory. Usually it means that the "victor" is one strike away from utter defeat. Even though he won the battle, he has effectively lost the war. 

This is an unfortunate tendency among humans. We will pick battles or battlefields and go down swinging. We will "throw good money after bad" because we can't stand losing. We defeat the Japanese using two nuclear bombs but then every generation of Americans from then on live with the fear of a nuclear holocaust. As individuals, we will celebrate a victory over a fellow human even though it will mean our own destruction. It is a sad, twisted part of our yetzer hara that I hope you will be able to avoid, having been forewarned. 

Ecclesiastes 8:10 HCSB  In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile.

This verse is notoriously difficult to render into English and I know of at least three major approaches. Nevertheless, the general sense remains the same. It is foolish for the rashaim to make a pretense at religion. It is foolish for others to fall for the hypocrisy. It doesn't matter whether all men hail you. Plenty of people hated Jesus and lots of people idolize wicked entertainment stars. Popularity is not a litmus test for the determination of one's final state. 

Back in biblical times, many people thought that having favor with God meant that one would be rich and successful in this life. There is some basis for this (Job 4:7-9; Psalm 94:1-3; Proverbs 10:27-29). Qoheleth recognizes that this is not universally true and is trying to figure out how God operates (cp 8:17). 

Today, we would refer to this kind of mistaken mentality as "Health and Wealth Theology" or the "Prosperity Gospel" (as exemplified by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Kenneth Hagin, Marilyn Hickey, Benny Hinn, T.D. Jakes, Bernard Jordan, Marcus and Joni Lamb, Joyce Meyer, Mike Murdock, Oral Roberts, Joel Osteen, Rod Parsley, Peter Popoff, Frederick K.C. Price, Pat Robertson, Robert Tilton, Paula White, Ed Young Jr.) 

Contrary to the teachings of these false prophets, the tzaddikim do what is right because it is right and because they fear God; not because of peer pressure, popularity. or short-term advantages. 

Wicked buried. In most cases, we are soon forgotten (Ecclesiastes 1:11) by the rest of mankind. In ALL cases, what truly matters is not how humanity remembers us but how Hashem remembers us! 

Ecclesiastes 8:11 HCSB  Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, therefore the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime.

Not carried out quickly. Delayed consequences tend to induce yet more wrong-doing. Qoheleth is indignant, not only against the initial injustice, but in the way it encourages people to choose evil over good. Even though the rashaim are KNOWN to be wicked, because they were comfortable in life and got some material pleasures, many people will choose that path regardless of the notoriety. 

This helps us understand the principle in Halakha that punishment for crime is not simply for the recovery of the criminal but it is to also serve as a warning shot across the bow of all those who would consider doing something similar. 

• Proverbs 19:25 HCSB  Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson; rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.
  
• Proverbs 21:11 HCSB  When a mocker is punished, the inexperienced become wiser; when one teaches a wise man, he acquires knowledge.
  

What's interesting but terrible is the fact that the punishment doesn't even have to be non-existent. Even if the punishment always happens but is simply delayed, the yetzer hara makes us think about the interval of time when we get to enjoy the fruit of sin. If you think this isn't true, then just look at all the people who smoke cigarettes even though they know they give you emphysema and cancer! Think of the people who hop and skip around playing sexual Russian Roulette with multiple partners! Think of the millions who go up to their eyeballs in credit card debt, even though they know for a fact they can't afford their purchases and that sooner or later they will have to pay the piper! 

So, any leader worth his salt is going to jump on wrongdoers with both feet and not procrastinate on the issue or he is going to end up with a bunch more wrongdoers! As Paul taught, when sexual sin was being tolerated in the Corinthian church:

• 1 Corinthians 5:5-6 HCSB  turn that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.  (6)  Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough?
  

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 HCSB Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him.  (13)  However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God.

Yet I also know. He speaks from faith, based on long experience with God. This is a different tone from the one who back in 7:28 was "continuously searching but not finding." See also 3:17; 11:9; 12:14 cp Job 19:25-27

Go better.  Blessings are intrinsic to all of God's commands. That's the very basis of the word "mitzvah". It is a "command/blessing". It's not that God gives you a doggie treat when you obey Him. It's that His commands are always good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2) and we are always better off obeying them. 

• Deuteronomy 12:28 HCSB  Be careful to obey all these things I command you, so that you and your children after you may prosper forever, because you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God.
  

God fearing men. Or God fearing women for that matter. 

• Exodus 1:17-21 HCSB  The Hebrew midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.  (18)  So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this and let the boys live?"  (19)  The midwives said to Pharaoh, "The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife can get to them."  (20)  So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very numerous.  (21)  Since the midwives feared God, He gave them families.
  

Reverent before God. Being reverent is not something that is done in church or while praying. Reverence is a life-long attitude that permeates everything we do. Reverence is not religious bliss. Reverence is the cultivation of a sense of God's absolute holiness and of our sinfulness compared to Him. Reverence is synonymous with obedience. 

• Proverbs 28:13-14 HCSB  The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.  (14)  Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
  

Do not fear God. 

 Ecclesiastes 3:14
v. 13 their days Deuteronomy 4:40; Job 5:26; Psalm 34:12; Isaiah 65:20

Ecclesiastes 8:14 HCSB  There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.

Righteous get what...wicked deserve. There are very few humans who do not struggle with the apparent injustice of this world. In a perfect world, the tzaddikim (righteous holy people) would reap the benefits of their mitzvoth (good works) and the rashaim (wicked Lowlanders) would reap the consequences of their sin. The Bible, at times, seems to even support this view (Job 4:7-9; Psalm 94:1-3; Proverbs 10:27-29) yet Qoheleth realizes that this is not universally true. Sometimes, the tzaddik (like our brother Job for instance) inherits difficult circumstances - even calamities. At others, the wicked (like Herod or the Roman appointed High Priest Caiaphas) receive the plaudits of man and the best the world has to offer. Yet, like the hypocrites who blow trumpets to draw attention to their alms, they get all their reward here on earth (Matthew 6:2). 

righteous deserve Job 21:7
meaningless Ecclesiastes 7:15
Job 21-24 enlarges the theme. Psalm 73 draws the sting from it. John 5:28-29 gives the ultimate explanation. 

Ecclesiastes 8:15 HCSB  So I commended enjoyment, because there is nothing better for man under the sun except to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the years of his days that God gives him under the sun.


Nothing better...eat, drink, and enjoy. We should be grateful for the many blessings Hashem brings our way (see 5:19; 9:7 and cp to Deuteronomy 8). Unfortunately, the same thing can be said but with an arrogant tone and the result is completely different! (Luke 12:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15:32). 


enjoyment himself Psalm 42:8
Drink Exodus 32:6; Ecclesiastes 2:3
be glad Ecclesiastes 2:1

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 HCSB  When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the activity that is done on the earth (even though one's eyes do not close in sleep day or night),  (17)  I observed all the work of God and concluded that man is unable to discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a man labors hard to explore it, he cannot find it; even if the wise man claims to know it, he is unable to discover it.


Man...unable to discover. Deuteronomy 29:29 sums up what we are and are not allowed to know. 

v.16 wisdom cp Ecclesiastes 1:17
v.16 on earth cp Ecclesiastes 1:13
v.17 God has done cp Job 28:3
v. 17 cannot comprehend cp Job 28:23; Romans 11:33