2 I say, "Keep the command of the king because e of the oath before God . 3 "Do not be in a hurry to leave e him. Do not join in an evil matter , for he will do whatever e he pleases ." 4 Since the word of the king is authoritative , who will say to him, "What are you doing ?" 5 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble , for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure .
6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight , though a man's trouble is heavy upon him. 7 If no one knows what will happen , who can tell him when it will happen ? 8 No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind , or authority over the day of death ; and there is no discharge in the time of war , and evil will not deliver those who practice it.
9 All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt .
10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried , those who used to go in and out from the holy place , and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus . This too is futility . 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly , therefore e the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil . 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still e I know that it will be well for those who fear God , who fear Him openly e . 13 But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow , because he does not fear God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:2-13
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!
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:6-8
(Read Ecclesiastes 8:6-8)
God has, in wisdom, kept away from us the knowledge of future events, that we may be always ready for changes. We must all die, no flight or hiding-place can save us, nor are there any weapons of effectual resistance. Ninety thousand die every day, upwards of sixty every minute, and one every moment. How solemn the thought! Oh that men were wise, that they understood these things, that they would consider their latter end! The believer alone is prepared to meet the solemn summons. Wickedness, by which men often escape human justice, cannot secure from death.
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:9-13
(Read Ecclesiastes 8:9-13)
Solomon observed, that many a time one man rules over another to his hurt, and that prosperity hardens them in their wickedness. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. A good man's days have some substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important.