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ECCLESIASTES CHAPTER 8
Kings to be greatly respected, Ecc_8:1-5. Our times uncertain; death not to be resisted, Ecc_8:6-8. An evil magistrate buried and forgot, Ecc_8:9,10. Men hardened in sin, because not presently punished; but they shall not escape, but it shall go ill with them, Ecc_8:11-13; as it doth also sometimes with the righteous, whilst the wicked prosper, Ecc_8:14. Mirth therefore, and a contented enjoyment of God’s gifts, preferable to immoderate care and search, Ecc_8:15. God’s work herein past finding out, Ecc_8:16,17.
Who is as the wise man? who is to be compared with a wise man? He is incomparably the most excellent man in the world. Or rather, who is truly wise? the particle as being here not a note of similitude, but of reality, as it is Joh_1:14, and in many other places, as hath been noted. There are very few or no truly wise men in this world. This seems best to agree with the next clause, which is not, who is as he that knoweth, but who knoweth, &c.
Who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? how few are there who understand the reasons of things, and can rightly expound the word and works of God, and instruct and satisfy himself and others in all the doubtful and difficult cases of human actions!
A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine; maketh a man illustrious and venerable, cheerful, and mild, and amiable in his carriage to others. The face is put for the mind or inward frame, because the mind discovers itself in the countenance.
The boldness of his face; the roughness or fierceness, the pride or impudence of his disposition, as this phrase is used, Deu_28:50 Pro_7:13 21:29 Dan_8:23; shall be changed into gentleness and humility.