A man's wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. American King James Version). 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 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. That both he himself and many others had very closely studied the point, and searched far into the reasons of the prosperity of the wicked and the afflictions of the righteous. [29] For our God is a consuming fire. In the person of a sensual man. 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. Recall that this comes on the heels of Solomon presenting humanity as corrupt in chapter 7. 8 Who is as the wise man? forgotten, the wicked enjoy honour and long life; the best thing a man The place of holiness to which they had come and gone is not clear. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. Ecclesiastes 8:15 KJ21 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 from his labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. [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. And let us truly rejoice. The problem with this view is that it does not do full justice to what the Preacher says. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide It is 3:22 ) ( 5:18 ) ; Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Summarized Bible Commentary CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. If one does not know what will happen, how can he learn when it will happen? potentates, who do commonly advance unworthy men, and oppress persons for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ). Therefore, consider ye actually this time as God's patience in order that men might be saved. Life is empty. dispensations of Providence_._ _Howeve Who is as the wise man? 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. Still, the language resembles the skeptical precept (1Co 15:32), introduced only to be refuted; and "abide" is too strong language, perhaps, for a religious man to apply to "eating" and "mirth.". "It doesn't really matter to God how I live. under the sun the best thing to do is just to eat and drink and be merry ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ): Because man, that's all she wrote. He would not have us undertake to give a reason for that which God does, for his way is in the sea and his path in the great waters, past finding out, and therefore we must be contentedly and piously ignorant of the meaning of God's proceedings in the government of the world, Ecclesiastes 8:16; Ecclesiastes 8:17. United Church of Godis a501(c)3organization. because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to You see, the real delay in the return of Jesus Christ is just God's unwillingness that men should perish. Under the sun, man, life is just very shallow and you live life in a very shallow level, and. As has been pointed out before, some take a low view of the refrain. lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. [23] All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. Verse 15. Hey, it's great to be merry because a man has no better thing under the sun. 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. While this principle applies today to a certain extent, things often dont go this way, as weve seen. Or possibly the reference is to a general promise to obey God, with this including the requirement of following Israels divinely appointed kingor maybe even any nations ruler, since, as Paul later points out in Romans 13, all governing authorities are in power because of God and are to be obeyedexcept when there is a conflict with Gods law, which must come first (Acts 5:29 Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.American King James Version). SUN EXCEPT TO EAT AND TO DRINK AND TO BE MERRY, AND THIS WILL STAND BY the Book of Proverbs. One of the common mistakes that people make is that of misinterpreting the nature of God. THERE IS A VANITY WHICH IS DONE UPON THE EARTH.] THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither has 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. He hasn't come and He's not going to come. EAT, AND TO DRINK, AND TO BE MERRY. The statement There is no release from that [or the] war could refer figuratively to the march into death that all face or simply be metaphoric for Theres no getting out of this. Then the final line, and wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it, would tie back to the turn to wrongdoing in verse 3. The wicked go unpunished and, even when they are dead and buried, people still praise them for their achievements in life (9-10). better H2896 sun H8121 eat H398 (H8800) drink H8354 (H8800) merry We_ have here an image which will not disgrace Benefits of wisdom, respecting government and 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. He had earlier said unto them, "No man takes My life from Me, I give My life" ( John 10:18 ). alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days What else had he seen? The only one who really did exercise that kind of power over his spirit was Jesus Christ. 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. yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him ( Ecclesiastes 8:12 ): Now, in the end the best life is the life of fearing God, walking with God. He doesn't strike immediately, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years. And they give their hearts and their lives over to evil to live an evil life. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide So, because God has waited so long, because God hasn't speedily executed His sentence against the evil, people begin to assume that God has just withdrawn Himself. Yet His intervention and judgment will ultimately come. Honor the king. and who knows the interpretation of a thing? 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. This equal mind, expressing itself in a grave dignified bearing, is, with them, well-nigh indispensable to success in, public life. Of course, it is true that human government has been established by God as a check against total lawlessness, as the apostle Paul explains in Romans 13. Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV - So I commend the enjoyment of life, - Bible Gateway Read the Bible Reading Plans Advanced Search Available Versions Audio Bibles Study Tools Scripture Engagement More Resources Explore More Newsletters Devotionals Bible Gateway App Bible Audio App Bible Gateway Blog Bible Gateway Plus Store Bibles Deals More Passage As mentioned previously, the seer and psalmist Asaph, a contemporary of Solomon, wrestled with how the righteoussuffered while the wicked prospered, then stating, When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for meuntil I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end (Psalms 73:16-17 Psalms 73:16-17 [16] When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 39.). God is exceedingly long-suffering. The sentiment of this verse is a frequent conclusion of the writers personal experience (compare marginal references), and is unfairly charged with Epicureanism. This is not some kind of terror of God, but a profound respect that does include, as with children who love their caring parents, a healthy fear of disappointing and, yes, incurring judgment, recalling that God chastens every son He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11 Hebrews 12:5-11 [5] And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: IV. Because I'm still blessed and I'm prosperous. And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? (9 sessions) This study is part of the LifeLight Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books. Be discreet in relation with a ruler. CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations 2. Viewed by itself, and apart from its conte ECCLESIASTESNOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 8:14 It is a puzzling VANITY that Ecclesiastes 7:19-8. submission to things as they are. 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. We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death (v. 6-8). Ecclesiastes 8:15 Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament "And I commended joy, that there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy himself; and that this accompanies him in his labour throughout all the days of his life, which God hath given him under the sun." Placing them at t _Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the The good are soon Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than, For that shall abide with him of his labor, and that this should accompany him in his labor, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. We then come to Ecclesiastes 8:9 Ecclesiastes 8:9All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt.American King James Version. ( Romans 9:20 ) The sovereignty of the king, which also speaks to the sovereignty of God. Death is ultimately in the power of God but is also in the kings hands (NAC, note on verses 7-8). fearing God, enjoyment through God commended. So, again, the problems of human government must be navigated with wisdom and righteousness to improve life where possible and to avoid making matters worse than they already are. ECCLESIASTES 8:1 I see life moving on. Benson Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15. And people begin to misinterpret God's grace and God's long suffering as God's approbation for their actions and for their lives. The Preaching the Word commentary goes on to state that those who fear God are said to fear before him (Ecclesiastes 8:12 Ecclesiastes 8:12Though 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:American King James Version), meaning that they know they are in his presence. This is added as another evidence of man's misery. No power in death. 2. Honor the king.American King James Version). Then I commended merriment, because a man hath no better thing ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ), And this is his human philosophy and human reasoning coming out again. The future is so uncertain. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Who is as the wise man? 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. Notice that the Preacher is giving us a God-centered perspective and that in verse 15 he is talking about the days of our life as a gift from God. And the same is true of God. No man has any power over the spirit. THE BENEFITS OF WHOLESOME RECREATION [12] For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it. "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. Salem Media Group. Notice as well that he mentions joy twice in this verse and describes it as something we can experience all through life. Then I commended mirth A righteous man has prospered; an unrighteous man has prospered. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:17). ECCLESIASTES 8:14. But he also knows that often the opposite is true (14). mind, thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortab Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange ( v. 9, 10 ). 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. Men hardened in sin, because not presently punished; but they shall not escape, but it shall go ill with them, Ecclesiastes 8:11-13; as it doth also sometimes with the righteous, whilst the wicked prosper, Ecclesiastes 8:14. But Peter said, "God isn't slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness, but He's faithful to usward. Hebrew word is applied not only to the pleasures arising from the Verse 12 seems to support the past perpetuation of the wicked as the frustration, as it mentions the sinners days being prolonged. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes No fault is to be found with God; but, as to the world, This is vanity upon the earth, and again, This is also vanity, that is, it is a certain evidence that the things of this world are not the best things nor were ever designed to make a portion and happiness for us, for, if they had, God would not have allotted so much of this world's wealth to his worst enemies and so much of its troubles to his best friends; there must therefore be another life after this the joys and griefs of which must be real and substantial, and able to make men truly happy or truly miserable, for this world does neither. The king stands as the authority. We should respect and follow that rule, with the benefits of doing so and the avoidance of an approach that will bring more troubles on us than would otherwise ensue. We come now to the last part of the books third major section, which began in chapter 6, dealing with explaining and applying the plan of God in light of it seeming to be unfair. Its just a matter of timeand probably much less time than most imagine. thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortable use Perhaps some type of pledge of allegiance to the king or kingdom among the general populace was customary at that time. The words There is are in italics in the NKJV, showing theyve been added to the original wordingunnecessarily in this case. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.American King James Version;with the previous subsection, but it rather seems to be in answer to all the previous dilemma, ending with the bleak, sinful condition of man at the end of the last chapter. Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow| Learn more With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! of The mention of an oath to God may bring to mind the need to follow through on vows to God in Ecclesiastes 5. [20] For there is not a just man on earth, that does good, and sins not. ASV Many claim that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today. it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by 4: generatio praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat. Product Identifiers 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. No man has any power over the spirit. For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God. And the word forgotten does work here. ECCLESIASTES 8:14, it is best to give a man's self up to eating and Post mortem nulla voluptas.". They begin to scoff at it, even as Peter said they would. Not so. The message here is: Do your best to stay out of trouble! Ecclesiastes 8:13. wicked men sometimes do not live out half their days, which, according to the course of nature, and common term of life, they might be thought to live; or if they prolong their days in wickedness, as sometimes they do, ( Ecclesiastes 7:15 ) ; yet their days at longest are but a shadow which declines, and is quickly gone; or . To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. To go from someones presence elsewhere signifies disaffection or disloyalty . For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? (8 studies) Ecclesiastes Study Guide Ecclesiastes Chart Scans (studies 1-8) Click to for the Mp3's corresponding to each study DEATH OF THE WICKED. Nay, [3.] _ 1. and the seemingly unequal distribution of things in this world, Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. And they begin to make fun of the return of Jesus Christ. He would have us not to fret and perplex ourselves about it, or make ourselves uneasy, but cheerfully to enjoy what God has given us in the world, to be content with it and make the best of it, though it be much better with others, and such as we think very unworthy (Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 8:15): Then I commended joy, a holy security and serenity of mind, arising from a confidence in God, and his power, providence, and promise, because a man has no better thing under the sun (though a good man has much better things above the sun) than to eat and drink, that is, soberly and thankfully to make use of the things of this life according as his rank is, and to be cheerful, whatever happens, for that shall abide with him of his labour. The next set of verses concerns following kingly authorityhuman governmentas a matter of life and death (verses 2-9). 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. It may seem unfair because the evil are prospered and the righteous are persecuted. Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. All rights reserved. I. Koheleth seems to have had a suspicion all the time that his view of Ecclesiastes 1:15:: King James Version (KJV) Ecclesiastes 1:15 - That which is crooked H5791 cannot H3201 be made straight: H8626 and that which is wanting H2642 cannot H3201 be numbered. When on the cross, it said, "He bowed his head and dismissed His Spirit" ( John 19:30 ). I commend joy, he says (Ecclesiastes 8:15 Ecclesiastes 8:15Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.American King James Version), and the word he uses for commend is a Hebrew word for praise (shabach). which God giveth him under the sun; 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"). Furthermore, the verses in chapter 8 do not seem to speak of human government rectifying problems so much as of us taking care to not run afoul of government (we will see similar verses in this regard in chapter 10). sun, than (n) to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) ( Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. That 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. And 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. No man has any power over the spirit. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments Ecclesiastes 8:1. God's judgment will come, and thus, I surely know it will be well with those that fear God. That is all the fruit he has for himself of the pains that he takes in the business of the world; let him therefore take it, and much good may it do him; and let him not deny himself that, out of a peevish discontent because the world does not go as he would have it.
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