2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
2 Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God.
2 I say:
2 Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience.
2 I say, "Keep the king's commandment for the sake of your oath to God.
2 Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:2
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:1-5
(Read Ecclesiastes 8:1-5)
None of the rich, the powerful, the honourable, or the accomplished of the sons of men, are so excellent, useful, or happy, as the wise man. Who else can interpret the words of God, or teach aright from his truths and dispensations? What madness must it be for weak and dependent creatures to rebel against the Almighty! What numbers form wrong judgments, and bring misery on themselves, in this life and that to come!