The Teacher reflects on the value of wisdom, asking, “Who can compare to the wise?” He observes that a person’s wisdom brightens their face and softens its hardened appearance (Ecclesiastes 8:1). This prompts us to consider: what truly makes us wise? What causes our faces to shine with a brightness that others notice?
While Solomon was renowned as the wisest man in the land, did his face reflect that same brightness? In contrast, we read in Exodus 34 that Moses’ face shone with radiant light when he descended from Mount Sinai after spending time with God (Exodus 34:29-30). Similarly, the faces of Daniel and Joseph displayed such a glow of wisdom and favour that foreign kings sought their counsel above that of their own ministers (Daniel 1:19-20; Genesis 41:38-40).
Moses’ face began to glow because he was in the presence of God. In the same way, when we spend time with God, our lives will reflect His grace to those around us. As we embody the fruits of the Spirit—patience, love, kindness—others will see the evidence of God’s presence in us (Galatians 5:22-23).
Submitting to the Authorities
Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. – Ecclesiastes 8:2 (NIV)
Why does the Teacher instruct us to obey the king? Perhaps it is because he himself, likely King Solomon, ruled over Jerusalem and desired his people to submit to authority. More importantly, the Israelites had made a covenant with God to honour the king when they first demanded a monarchy from the prophet Samuel.
As Scripture recounts, when the people rejected Samuel’s guidance and insisted on a king, they took an oath to obey the one set over them: “But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us.’” (1 Samuel 8:19). Samuel later declared, “Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you. If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God—good!” (1 Samuel 12:13-14).
The Apostle Paul further reinforces this teaching, stating: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1). If we truly acknowledge that God is sovereign and in control, obeying the authorities He has established should not be burdensome. We submit not merely to earthly rulers, but ultimately to God, who ordains them for His purposes.
“Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery.” – Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NIV)
Only the wise understand when and how to approach the king because wisdom teaches patience, discernment, and respect for authority. In ancient times, kings wielded great power, and their courts were places of strict protocol. Even if one’s cause was urgent, there were established customs for seeking the king’s favour. A person could not simply barge into the royal court uninvited, no matter how pressing the situation. To ignore these procedures would risk not only the rejection of their request but also severe consequences, as disrespecting the king was seen as a direct affront to his authority.
Wisdom dictates that there is a proper time and manner for every action. One must be sensitive to the context, the mood of the king, and the right approach to ensure a favourable outcome. Just as Esther carefully planned how to present her petition before King Xerxes (Esther 5:1-3), timing and strategy were essential to success in the king’s court. Approaching too hastily or without thought could lead to disaster.
Sadly, this mindset has extended to how many Christians approach the throne of God. Instead of recognising that the King of kings is always approachable, people often feel the need to follow formal channels—pastors, prayer leaders, or a series of religious rituals like baptism, communion, fasting, and meditation—before they believe they can approach God for help. However, unlike earthly rulers, our Lord is always ready to receive us, without the need for intermediaries or strict procedures. The author of the book of Hebrews reminds us of this fact,
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
What the Future Holds
Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? – Ecclesiastes 8:7 (NIV)
Many today claim to predict the future—whether it’s the end of a pandemic, political outcomes, or even the second coming of Christ. Yet, Christ Himself made it clear that even He did not have the authority to reveal the time of His return (Matthew 24:36, NIV).
Despite this, people continue to follow self-proclaimed “godmen” who promise insight into the future, demanding loyalty and devotion much like the kings of Israel. Instead of seeking the freedom offered in Christ, many find themselves in bondage to these figures, relying on their false prophecies and teachings. Yet, Scripture reminds us that true freedom is found not in following human leaders, but in living in the grace and liberty given by Christ (Galatians 5:1).
As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. – Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NIV)
Wickedness is in constant conflict with God, refusing to release those who fall into its grip. But why does wickedness seem to have such control over us? It is through our own lies, deception, and hypocrisy that we align ourselves with wickedness. Rather than fully committing to God, we often try to maintain a dual relationship, holding on to sin while claiming devotion to God. This divided loyalty keeps us entangled, as wickedness seeks to dominate and enslave, while God desires to set us free (Romans 6:16). True freedom comes only when we fully surrender to God, severing ties with the deceiver. Without that surrender to God, wickedness will continue to hold its grip, just as a soldier is bound by duty in times of war.
“All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Then too, I saw the wicked buried—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 8:9-10 (NIV)
The Teacher observes how certain temple leaders have made themselves lords over the people, imposing heavy burdens of laws and regulations. Despite their oppressive actions, the people praise these leaders and greet them warmly in the marketplace. Ultimately, these leaders are buried with honour in the very place where they tormented others, and their evil deeds are forgotten.
Similarly, many pastors and leaders today have adopted a lordly stance over their congregations. Instead of spreading the Gospel of Love, they propagate a Gospel of Fear, fostering anxiety rather than faith. They seek admiration and celebration during birthdays and anniversaries, forgetting Christ’s teaching about humility and servanthood (Mark 9:35). This pattern has persisted since the days of the Teacher, as people continue to substitute the approachable God for self-proclaimed “godmen.” In doing so, they miss the essence of the Gospel, which calls for a relationship with a loving and accessible God rather than an adherence to oppressive leadership.
Denying Justice
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. – Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NIV)
Delayed punishment often leads to an increase in wrongdoing, not only in the hearts of the wicked who seek to replicate such acts but also among those who demand retribution—blood for blood. This cycle of violence is evident in the prevalence of school shootings, countless murders, and the media’s glorification of revenge-driven actions.
What compels us to seek justice on our own terms? It stems from a lack of trust in God’s ability to administer justice. We often find ourselves dissatisfied with His timing and approach, fearing that we might suffer the consequences of wrongdoing without accountability for the offenders.
As Isaiah 48:9 reminds us, “For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off.” This highlights that God’s justice may not always align with our expectations and we pursue our own forms of retribution rather than resting in His sovereignty.
Unfortunately, many people only seek God when confronted with wickedness, rather than cultivating a consistent relationship with Him. As Ezekiel 33:11 reminds us, God desires that all turn from their wicked ways, not just in times of crisis. It is crucial to seek God continually, embracing His guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.
Our Expectations
the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. – Ecclesiastes 8:14 (NIV)
Does this reversal truly occur, where the righteous receive the fate meant for the wicked and vice versa? It prompts us to question what any of us genuinely deserve. Who are we to determine the rewards or consequences for the righteous and the wicked?
This dilemma is illustrated in the parable of the vineyard, where the landowner’s generous actions challenge our understanding of what is deserved. In this parable, those who worked less received the same pay as those who toiled longer, highlighting that God’s grace often defies human notions of fairness. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that divine justice operates on principles beyond our comprehension.
I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it. – Ecclesiastes 8:17 (NIV)
What is the purpose of life? From the dawn of time, philosophers and scholars have debated the true meaning of life, yet they have reached no definitive conclusion. Nevertheless, humanity continues to seek this elusive understanding wherever possible.
As stated in Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” This verse reminds us that while certain mysteries remain with God, He has revealed enough to guide us in living according to His will. Our quest for meaning, then, should focus on the truths that have been made known, allowing us to live faithfully and purposefully in accordance with His teachings.
Discussion Questions
- Why does the Teacher instruct us to obey the king?
- What drives us to seek justice on our terms?
- Do the righteous truly get what the wicked deserve?
- What is the purpose of life?
The Jordan Valley 
Reply