Ecclesiastes 8:3

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Be not hasty {H926} to go out {H3212} of his sight {H6440}: stand {H5975} not in an evil {H7451} thing {H1697}; for he doeth {H6213} whatsoever pleaseth {H2654} him.

Don't be quick to leave his presence, and don't persist in doing what is wrong, for he does whatever he pleases.

Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:3 offers practical wisdom concerning one's conduct in the presence of a powerful ruler, often interpreted as a king or sovereign. The Preacher, Qoheleth, advises caution and prudence to avoid incurring the wrath of authority.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Ecclesiastes 8:2-8) that deals with the proper attitude and behavior toward an earthly king. In ancient monarchies, a king's power was absolute, and his displeasure could lead to severe consequences, including death. The advice here is born out of a realistic understanding of political power dynamics and the need for self-preservation in a world where justice was often arbitrary and power unchecked. It follows the admonition in Ecclesiastes 8:2 to keep the king's commandment.

Key Themes

  • Prudence and Caution: The verse strongly advocates for careful behavior and avoiding rash decisions in the presence of authority. Being "hasty to go out of his sight" implies a quick, perhaps rebellious or fearful, departure that could be misconstrued as insubordination or guilt.
  • Obedience to Authority: "Stand not in an evil thing" is a clear warning against persisting in rebellion, wrongdoing, or defiance against the ruler's decree. It underscores the importance of submission to established governing powers, a theme echoed in other parts of Scripture (e.g., Romans 13:1).
  • Sovereignty of the Ruler: The concluding phrase, "for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him," highlights the absolute power and autonomy of the king. His will is law, and there is no appeal or resistance possible. This statement, while referring to an earthly king, subtly points to a deeper truth about ultimate divine sovereignty, where God's will is also irresistible (Daniel 4:35).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hasty" (tibhāhēl) conveys a sense of being agitated, alarmed, or in a hurry, often implying a lack of thoughtful consideration. To "stand" (tāʿamōd) in an evil thing suggests taking a firm position or persisting in a wrong course of action. The phrase "whatsoever pleaseth him" (kol ʾăsher yeḥpātz) emphasizes the king's complete discretion and unchallengeable authority.

Practical Application

While directly addressing conduct before an earthly king, Ecclesiastes 8:3 offers timeless principles applicable to various forms of authority in our lives, from government to employers to spiritual leaders. It teaches the value of:

  • Respect for Authority: Understanding and respecting the legitimate power held by those in positions of leadership.
  • Wisdom in Engagement: Approaching interactions with authority figures with discretion and thoughtful consideration, avoiding impulsive actions or open defiance.
  • Avoiding Persistent Wrongdoing: Recognizing that continuing in a path of disobedience or rebellion against just rules and laws will inevitably lead to negative consequences. Just as an earthly king's will is potent, so too are the consequences of defying divine principles (Galatians 6:7).
  • Acknowledging Irresistible Will: Acknowledging that some wills are absolute, whether an earthly ruler's in their domain or, more profoundly, God's sovereign plan for the universe.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 10:4

    ¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

  • Daniel 5:19

    And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

  • Proverbs 14:29

    ¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

  • Daniel 4:35

    And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

  • Acts 5:8

    And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

  • Acts 5:9

    Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.

  • Proverbs 30:31

    A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up.
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