Ecclesiastes 8:5

KJV

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso keepeth {H8104} the commandment {H4687} shall feel {H3045} no evil {H7451} thing {H1697}: and a wise man's {H2450} heart {H3820} discerneth {H3045} both time {H6256} and judgment {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever obeys his command will never come to harm, and the wise person will know the right time and judgment.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

American Standard Version

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man’s heart discerneth time and judgment:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 8:5 offers a profound statement on the dual benefits of obedience and discerning wisdom. It posits that adherence to righteous commands provides a measure of protection from negative consequences, while a truly wise individual possesses the insight to understand and act appropriately within the complexities of life's opportune moments and moral demands. The verse encapsulates a core tenet of wisdom literature: that a life lived in alignment with divine or just principles, coupled with practical discernment, leads to a more stable and less troubled existence, even amidst the uncertainties "under the sun."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 8 continues the Preacher's exploration of life's enigmas, particularly focusing on the relationship between humanity and authority, both earthly and divine. Following reflections on the limitations of human power (Ecclesiastes 8:2-4), this verse shifts to the individual's responsibility and the advantages of wisdom in navigating a world where justice often seems elusive. It serves as a practical principle for living prudently within a system that can appear arbitrary, emphasizing that while human understanding is limited, certain actions (obedience) and qualities (wisdom) offer tangible benefits. The verses immediately following (Ecclesiastes 8:6-8) continue to ponder the human inability to control time or foretell the future, making the discernment mentioned in verse 5 all the more valuable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes reflects a post-exilic or late monarchical period in ancient Israel, where the wisdom tradition flourished. The cultural milieu was one where the king's authority was significant, and obedience to his decrees (alongside divine law) was crucial for societal order. However, the Preacher often grapples with the perceived injustices and inequities of life, where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. This tension is a hallmark of the book. The concept of "time" (`'et`) was deeply ingrained in ancient thought, recognizing specific seasons for all activities, as famously articulated in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything"). "Judgment" (`mishpat`) encompassed both legal justice and the broader concept of what is right and proper in a given situation, reflecting a society concerned with order and equity, even when it seemed absent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Human Responsibility**, suggesting that despite life's apparent randomness, there is a discernable order that rewards prudent living. Secondly, it highlights the paramount importance of **Practical Wisdom and Discernment**, portraying wisdom not merely as intellectual knowledge but as the ability to apply understanding to real-life situations, particularly concerning timing and ethical action. This aligns with the book's consistent call to "fear God and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")), which is presented as the ultimate response to life's uncertainties. The verse also subtly touches upon the theme of **Consequences of Actions**, implying that obedience and wisdom can mitigate the "evil thing" (or negative outcomes) that often befall the foolish or disobedient, echoing sentiments found throughout wisdom literature like [Proverbs 1:33](/proverbs/1-33 "Proverbs 1:33 - The Security of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _mitsvâh'_):** (H4687) This term, derived from the root meaning "to command," refers to a divine or human decree, an ordinance, or a precept. In the context of Ecclesiastes, while it often refers to God's Law, it can also encompass the righteous commands of a king or any established, just instruction. To "keep" (`shâmar`, H8104) the commandment implies not just passive knowledge but active observance, guarding, and attending to it. The verse suggests that such diligent adherence provides a form of protection or insulation from negative consequences.
* **Wise man's (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** (H2450) This word describes someone who is intelligent, skillful, and artful, possessing practical discernment. It denotes more than mere intellectual capacity; it speaks to a person who has gained insight into the workings of the world and the principles of right living. The wisdom here is not abstract but applied, enabling the individual to navigate complex situations with shrewdness and understanding.
* **Discerneth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) A rich and multifaceted verb meaning "to know," "to ascertain by seeing," "to recognize," or "to understand." In this context, it implies a deep, experiential knowledge that allows the wise person to perceive and distinguish between different "times" and "judgments." It's an active, insightful understanding that goes beyond surface-level observation, enabling the wise heart to grasp the opportune moment and the appropriate course of action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing":** This clause establishes a direct correlation between obedience and protection. "Keeping the commandment" signifies active adherence to righteous decrees, whether divine laws or just human ordinances. The phrase "shall feel no evil thing" (`raʻ dâbâr`) suggests an avoidance of calamity, significant harm, or the negative consequences that often result from disobedience or foolishness. It implies a measure of security and stability for those who live prudently and righteously.
* **"and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment":** This second clause highlights the critical role of wisdom in practical living. The "wise man's heart" (where "heart" (`lêb`, H3820) represents the seat of intellect, will, and emotion) possesses the capacity to "discern" (`yâdaʻ`). This discernment applies to "time" (`ʻêth`), referring to the opportune moment or season for action (or inaction), and "judgment" (`mishpâṭ`), which signifies the proper procedure, justice, or the right way of doing things. This part of the verse underscores that true wisdom involves not just knowing what is right, but also knowing when and how to apply it effectively.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 8:5 primarily employs **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first, rather than merely repeating it. The first clause focuses on the *benefit* of obedience ("shall feel no evil thing"), while the second clause explains the *means* by which this benefit, or at least a prudent life, is achieved (through the wise heart's discernment of time and judgment). The verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a general truth or principle about life that is widely applicable. The use of "heart" as the organ of discernment is a form of **Metonymy**, where the part (heart) stands for the whole person's inner being, encompassing intellect, will, and moral intuition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 8:5 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on wisdom and obedience as pathways to a flourishing life. It underscores the theological truth that God has established an order in the world, and living in alignment with that order, whether through explicit divine commands or through discerning the inherent principles of justice and timing, yields positive outcomes. While Ecclesiastes often wrestles with the apparent exceptions to this rule "under the sun," this verse affirms a fundamental principle of divine economy: that wisdom and righteousness are not merely abstract ideals but practical tools for navigating a complex world. It connects to the Old Testament wisdom tradition's promise of blessing for those who walk in God's ways and the New Testament's call to live wisely in a fallen world.

* [Psalm 119:1](/psalms/119-1 "Psalm 119:1 - Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.")
* [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.")
* [James 1:25](/james/1-25 "James 1:25 - But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 8:5 provides a timeless blueprint for navigating the complexities of life with grace and effectiveness. It challenges us to embrace a life of intentional obedience, recognizing that aligning our actions with righteous principles, whether divine commands or ethical standards, often serves as a protective shield against unnecessary hardship and regret. Furthermore, it calls us to cultivate profound discernment, not merely intellectual knowledge, but a deep, intuitive understanding of the opportune moments for action and the morally upright path. In a world often characterized by impulsiveness and confusion, the wise person is one who pauses, reflects, and prayerfully seeks to understand the "time" for every purpose and the "judgment" (the right way) for every decision. This holistic approach to living—combining principled obedience with astute discernment—is presented as the path to a more stable, fruitful, and less "evil" existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with obedience, and what "evil things" might I be experiencing as a result?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate greater discernment regarding "time" and "judgment" in my daily decisions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to allow my "heart" to be more attuned to God's timing and righteous ways?**
* **How does my understanding of wisdom go beyond mere knowledge to practical, discerning application?**

### FAQ
**Does "shall feel no evil thing" mean that obedient people will never experience suffering or hardship?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise absolute immunity from all suffering or hardship. Ecclesiastes itself, particularly in chapters like [Ecclesiastes 7:15](/ecclesiastes/7-15 "Ecclesiastes 7:15 - Righteous perishing, wicked prospering"), acknowledges the paradox that the righteous sometimes suffer and the wicked prosper "under the sun." The phrase "shall feel no evil thing" (`raʻ dâbâr`, literally "bad matter" or "calamity") refers more to the avoidance of negative consequences that are directly *attributable* to disobedience, foolishness, or lack of discernment. It implies a measure of protection from self-inflicted harm, societal repercussions, or the chaos that results from imprudent living. It suggests a more stable and less troubled existence *as a general rule*, rather than an absolute guarantee against all external adversity. The wise and obedient person is better equipped to navigate challenges and may even avoid certain pitfalls altogether.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 8:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both the obedient "keeper of the commandment" and the "wise man" with perfect discernment. Jesus lived a life of absolute obedience to the Father's will, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus always does what pleases the Father")). His perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross, meant that He "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ knew no sin")), thus feeling no "evil thing" in the sense of the consequences of His own transgression. Furthermore, Jesus is the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God")). His "heart" (his inner being) perfectly discerned "time" and "judgment." He knew the opportune moment for every miracle, every teaching, and ultimately, the precise "time" for His sacrifice and resurrection ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' timing is not yet")). He perfectly rendered "judgment," always acting with divine justice and righteousness ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' righteous judgment")). Through Christ, believers are not only given the perfect example of obedience and wisdom but are also empowered by His Spirit to walk in newness of life, discerning God's will and timing, and experiencing the true protection that comes from being "in Christ" ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No condemnation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Peter 3:13

And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.