Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. New Living Translation Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, English Standard Version Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. Berean Standard Bible Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. King James Bible Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. New King James Version He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, New American Standard Bible One who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. NASB 1995 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. NASB 1977 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. Legacy Standard Bible He who keeps a royal command experiences no evil thing, for a wise heart knows the proper time and custom. Amplified Bible Whoever keeps and observes a royal command will experience neither trouble nor misery; For a wise heart will know the proper time and [appropriate] procedure. Christian Standard Bible The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. Holman Christian Standard Bible The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, 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: Contemporary English Version If you obey the king, you will stay out of trouble. So be wise and learn what to do and when to do it. English Revised Version Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment: GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever obeys his commands will avoid trouble. The mind of a wise person will know the right time and the right way [to act]. Good News Translation As long as you obey his commands, you are safe, and a wise person knows how and when to do it. International Standard Version Whoever obeys his commands will not experience harm, and the wise in heart will discern both the appropriate time and response. Majority Standard Bible Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. NET Bible Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure. New Heart English Bible Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure. Webster's Bible Translation He who keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. World English Bible Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhoever is keeping a command knows no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knows. Young's Literal Translation Whoso is keeping a command knoweth no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knoweth. Smith's Literal Translation He watching the command knew no evil word: and time and judgment the wise one will know. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that keepeth the commandments shall find no evil. The heart of a wise man understandeth time and answer. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever keeps the commandment will not experience evil. The heart of a wise man understands the time to respond. New American Bible “Whoever observes a command knows no harm, and the wise heart knows times and judgments.” New Revised Standard Version Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who keeps a command shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He who keeps the commandment does not know an evil matter, and the heart of the wise knows time and judgment OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; And a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment. Brenton Septuagint Translation He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgement. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Obey the King…4For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 5Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.… Cross References Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Proverbs 21:11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. Proverbs 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. Proverbs 16:20 Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. Proverbs 4:10-13 Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many. / I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. / When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. ... Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. Proverbs 22:17-19 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge— / for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips. / So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm 119:100 I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Daniel 12:10 Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand. Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. Luke 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” John 14:21 Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” Treasury of Scripture Whoever keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. keepeth Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Exodus 1:17,20,21 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive… Psalm 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. feel Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 1 Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Jump to Previous Command Commandment Decision Discerneth Evil Experiences Feel Harm Heart Judgment Keepeth Keeping Keeps Law Manner Mind Obeys Procedure Proper Royal Time Trouble WiseJump to Next Command Commandment Decision Discerneth Evil Experiences Feel Harm Heart Judgment Keepeth Keeping Keeps Law Manner Mind Obeys Procedure Proper Royal Time Trouble WiseEcclesiastes 8 1. true wisdom is modest2. Kings are to be respected 6. Divine providence is to be observed 12. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity 16. The work of God is unsearchable Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to authority, reflecting a theme found throughout Scripture. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it likely refers to the king's command, as the book often discusses the role of rulers and governance. Biblically, obedience to authority is seen as a means of maintaining order and peace, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, which instructs believers to submit to governing authorities. The idea of coming to no harm suggests divine protection for those who follow God's ordained structures. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, loyalty to the king was crucial for personal safety and societal stability. This principle can also be seen as a type of Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father's will and thus secured salvation for humanity. and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into the human condition and the pursuit of meaning. 2. Israel The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel provides the backdrop for understanding the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. 3. Wisdom Literature Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Proverbs and Job. These writings focus on practical and philosophical insights into life and faith. Teaching Points Obedience and SafetyObedience to God's commands is portrayed as a path to safety and protection. In a world filled with uncertainties, adhering to divine instructions provides a secure foundation. Wisdom in Timing and Procedure A wise heart discerns the appropriate time and method for actions. This discernment is crucial in navigating life's complexities and making decisions that align with God's will. The Role of Wisdom in Leadership Solomon's wisdom as a leader underscores the importance of wisdom in governance and decision-making. Leaders are called to seek divine wisdom to guide their actions and policies. Practical Wisdom for Daily Life The principles of wisdom and obedience are not just for leaders but for everyone. Applying these principles in daily life leads to harmony and fulfillment. Seeking God's Guidance Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life, trusting that He provides wisdom generously to those who ask.Verse 5. - Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing. This is an encouragement to obedience to royal authority (comp. Proverbs 24:21, 22; Romans 13:3). The context plainly shows that it is not God's commandment that is spoken of (though, of course, the maxim would be very true in this case), but the king's. Nor is it necessarily a servile and unreasoning obedience that is enjoined. Koheleth is dealing with generals. Such cases as that of Daniel and the three children, where obedience would have been sinful, are not here taken into consideration. "Shall feel," literally, "shall know," i.e. experience no physical evil. Quiet submission to the powers that be guarantees a peaceful and happy life. Ginsburg and others translate, "knoweth not an evil word," i.e. is saved from abuse and reproach, which seems somewhat meager, though the Septuagint gives, Οὐ γνώσεται ῤῆμα πονηρόν. The Vulgate is better, Non experietur quidquam malt. And a wise man's heart discerneth (knoweth) both time and judgment. The verb is the same in both clauses, and ought to have been so translated. The "heart" includes the moral as well as the intellectual faculties; and the maxim says that the wise man bears oppression and remains unexcited even in evil days, because he is convinced that there is a time of judgment coming when all will be righted (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The certainty of retributive justice is so strong in his mind that he does not resort to rebellion in order to rectify matters, but possesses his soul in patience, leaving the correction of abuses in God's hands. Septuagint, "The wise man's heart knoweth the time of judgment," making a hendiadys of the two terms. The Vulgate has tempus et responsionem, "time and answer." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whoever keepsשׁוֹמֵ֣ר (šō·w·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to his command מִצְוָ֔ה (miṣ·wāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4687: Commandment will come to יֵדַ֖ע (yê·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know no לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no harm, רָ֑ע (rā‘) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil and a wise חָכָֽם׃ (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise heart לֵ֥ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre knows יֵדַ֖ע (yê·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know the right time וְעֵ֣ת (wə·‘êṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when and procedure. וּמִשְׁפָּ֔ט (ū·miš·pāṭ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style Links Ecclesiastes 8:5 NIVEcclesiastes 8:5 NLT Ecclesiastes 8:5 ESV Ecclesiastes 8:5 NASB Ecclesiastes 8:5 KJV Ecclesiastes 8:5 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 8:5 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 8:5 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 8:5 French Bible Ecclesiastes 8:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
    |