Ecclesiastes 8:5

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:5 (KJV)

Ecclesiastes 8:5 from the King James Version states, "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." This verse offers profound insights into the benefits of obedience and the value of discernment.

Context

The Book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to Solomon (the Preacher or Qoheleth), explores the meaning of life "under the sun"—from a human perspective, often without explicit divine revelation. Chapter 8 specifically deals with the complexities of life, particularly concerning authority, justice, and the limitations of human understanding in the face of God's sovereignty. The Preacher grapples with the paradoxes of life, where the righteous sometimes suffer and the wicked prosper, yet he consistently points back to the value of wisdom and fearing God. This verse emerges as a principle of stability and protection within a world full of uncertainties.

Key Themes

• Obedience and Protection: The first part of the verse, "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing," suggests a direct correlation between adherence to commands (whether divine or righteous human decrees) and experiencing a form of protection or avoidance of harm. This implies that living according to established principles leads to a more stable and less troubled existence. It speaks to the blessing that often accompanies walking in God's laws and statutes.
• Wisdom and Discernment: The latter part, "and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment," highlights the crucial role of wisdom. A truly wise person possesses the ability to understand the opportune moment ('et) for action or inaction, and the proper way (mishpat) to proceed. This discernment is not merely intellectual but rooted in the "heart," signifying deep understanding and moral intuition.

Linguistic Insights

• "Commandment" (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): While often referring to God's divine commands, in the immediate context of Ecclesiastes 8, it can also encompass the king's decree or any righteous instruction. Keeping it means adhering to what is right and ordered.
• "Evil thing" (דָּבָר רָע, davar ra): Literally "evil matter" or "bad thing." This doesn't necessarily mean absolute immunity from all hardship, but rather protection from significant harm, calamity, or the negative consequences that often arise from disobedience or foolishness.
• "Time" (עֵת, 'et): This refers to the opportune moment, the right season, or the proper occasion. It's the same word used in the famous passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1, that there is a season for everything. A wise person knows when to speak, when to be silent, when to act, and when to wait.
• "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This term signifies justice, proper procedure, or the right way of doing things. It implies a discernment of what is morally right, legally correct, or practically fitting for a given situation.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 8:5 reminds us that true wisdom involves both obedience and discernment. In our daily lives, this means:

• Valuing Obedience: Recognizing that living by God's principles and respecting just authority often spares us from unnecessary trouble and brings a measure of peace and stability.
• Cultivating Discernment: Seeking to understand the opportune moments for action and the best course of action in various circumstances. This requires patience, reflection, and often, prayerful consideration. It's about knowing when to do something and how to do it rightly.
• Living Wisely: The verse encourages a proactive approach to life, where wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge but practical insight applied to decision-making, leading to a more fruitful and less regretful existence.