Insights on Wisdom from Ecclesiastes: Kings and Subjects

Ecclesiastes (28) Rulers and those who follow them - 2 Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

About this section We continue our study of the second half of Ecclesiastes, we are addressing some thoughts about wisdom. Our text makes some observations about kings and their subjects (8:1-9) In our challenging times, there are some good reminders for us here!

Previously (8:1-5) Godly leaders will be wise and so will their subjects in dealing with them Wisdom can cause the king to look favorably upon his subject, AND his subjects look favorably on him

Previously (8:1-5) Keep the king's commandment - Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17 This applies to us! We do it For the sake of your oath to God Do not be hasty to go from his presence (to rebel/reject him)

Previously (8:1-5) We are to honor our rulers even the ungodly. Do we do this as we ought to? Do we continue to pray for them? Do not take your stand for an evil thing Acts 5:29 (we must be careful as we apply this)

Previously (8:1-5) Where the word of the king is there is power authority. Therefore be wise! Do not say, What are you doing? be careful in questioning rulers. Are we respectful toward our rulers? Even those we disagree with?

Previously (8:1-5) He who keeps the king s command will experience nothing harmful typically, when you obey there is peace. Finally, a wise man discerns both time and judgment he weighs what and when to say something or to act

For every matter (8:6-9) For every matter there is a time and judgment Life has a way of running its course. In time things work out. Crisis tend to resolve, rulers (good and evil) come and go, etc. But also consider God in this - Proverbs 21:2, Romans 12:19-20 Israel is a history lesson for this!

For every matter (8:6-9) Though the misery of man increases greatly Sometimes wicked and selfish rulers who exploit their subjects, especially the godly and produce misery Again, Israel is a history lesson for this! Just read the prophets! They taught judgment, but THEN hope Change for the better typically takes time. You have to weather the storm, which may seem unbearable.

For every matter (8:6-9) Though the misery of man increases greatly God knows what you are going through. 1 John 4:4 God IS in control. NOTE: While this is His power over Satan, it applies to rulers as well. Cf. Revelation 6:9-10

For every matter (8:6-9) For he does not know what will happen, So who can tell him when it will occur? Life has a way of changing man s plans (think 2020) But we adapt (we have to) be prepared to adapt! BUT there are things we cannot control or predict:

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit (8a - NKJV, KJV) This could have reference to the spirit of man and how we cannot indefinitely preserve our lives. This would accord with the next phrase. You will not avoid standing before God in judgment (Romans 14:10-12)

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind NASB This could be the reading because 1) The next phrase is repetitive 2) It is a true statement! We CANNOT control heat, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. 3) Ecclesiastes 11:4-5, John 3:8

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind 8a-NASB Even a rich and powerful king cannot control this

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: And no one has power in the day of death (8b) We cannot stop death from coming. We may be able to delay the inevitable, but Hebrews 9:27 Even a rich and powerful king cannot control this

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: There is no release from that war (8c) Many things make war uncertain - You stay till it is over OR if drafted you will go OR you will perish in battle OR consider one who is captive Or this could be the battle to stay alive we will NOT win!

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: There is no release from that war (8c) Even a rich and powerful king cannot control this! (Even though a wise king or subject may avoid the war cf. Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, Luke 14:31)

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: Wickedness will not deliver those given to it The powerful and wicked may prosper in this life, but God knows (cf. Psalm 2:1-4). Wickedness does not buy peace. It may buy protection, but not real peace. Consider the warlord, terrorist or gang leader constantly looking over their shoulder and hiding.

For every matter (8:6-9) Things we cannot predict: Wickedness will not deliver those given to it Even a rich and powerful king will NOT deliver himself from the judgment of God. Godly rulers can live in peace of mind.

All this I have seen (8:9) All this I have seen and applied Typical of this writing as Solomon observes life under the sun and its vanity and grasping for wind.

All this I have seen (8:9) There is a time when one rules over another to his own hurt Solomon had seen wicked and the hurt they caused 1) To others selfish and careless decisions are burdensome on subjects

All this I have seen (8:9) There is a time when one rules over another to his own hurt 2) Solomon had seen wickedness they caused to themselves their wicked decisions OFTEN result in harm to them in time. Proverbs 11:10-11 >>>

All this I have seen (8:9) There is a time when one rules over another to his own hurt 2) Wicked decisions OFTEN result in harm to them in time. Proverbs 11:10-11, When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

All this I have seen (8:9) There is a time when one rules over another to his own hurt ULTIMATELY, he will face the judgment of God. And for this there are NO exceptions!

Concluding thoughts: As we consider those who rule over us and become frustrated when they govern in ungodly and wicked ways, remember this: Philippians 3:20-21 our citizenship is in heaven 1 Peter 2:11 here we are but sojourners and pilgrims

Are you respectful of God as you consider your rulers? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us pray!