Ecclesiastes 8 5

Ecclesiastes 8:5 kjv

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

Ecclesiastes 8:5 nkjv

He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment,

Ecclesiastes 8:5 niv

Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

Ecclesiastes 8:5 esv

Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.

Ecclesiastes 8:5 nlt

Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right,

Ecclesiastes 8 verses

Ecclesiastes 8 5 Meaning

This verse articulates a principle of wisdom: that obedience to commands generally safeguards one from misfortune or harmful consequences. It further teaches that a truly discerning and wise person possesses the foresight and understanding to recognize the appropriate time for action and the correct method or course of action to undertake, especially in delicate situations or concerning authority. This wisdom involves both discernment and practical application, ensuring both protection and effective conduct.

Ecclesiastes 8 5 Context

Ecclesiastes 8:5 is situated within a broader discussion by Koheleth (the Preacher) about the nature of wisdom, authority, and life's inherent paradoxes. Verses 2-4 directly precede it, counseling respect and obedience to the king's command, noting the king's power and lack of accountability for his actions. Thus, verse 5 can be seen as a direct follow-up, suggesting that maintaining a good relationship with authority through obedience protects one, and a wise individual knows the critical importance of proper timing and execution when dealing with powerful figures. More broadly, the verse underscores a theme recurrent in Ecclesiastes: while much in life seems "vanity" or uncontrollable, wisdom, prudence, and understanding offer an advantage and a path to navigating life's complexities and challenges effectively. It is part of the Preacher's practical advice for living skillfully "under the sun," highlighting the benefits of discernment even amidst life's uncertainties and injustices.

Ecclesiastes 8 5 Word analysis

• Whoever keeps (שׁוֹמֵר, shomer): This word denotes guarding, observing, or preserving. Here, it implies not merely knowing, but actively adhering to, watching over, and carrying out. It speaks of faithful obedience and attentiveness to instruction or law.
• a command (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): Can refer to a king's decree (given the immediate preceding context), a general instruction, a principle, or divine law. The ambiguity allows for both practical societal wisdom and a spiritual understanding of obeying God's statutes.
• will know no evil thing (לֹא־יֵדַע דָּבָר רָע, lo yeda davar ra’): "Know" (yeda) implies not just intellectual knowledge, but experiencing or encountering. "Evil thing" (davar ra’) can mean harm, trouble, misfortune, or calamity. The phrase conveys the protective nature of obedience, suggesting one will be shielded from ill consequences or the impact of negative circumstances.
• and a wise (חָכָם, chakam): Refers to practical wisdom, discernment, and skill in living. It encompasses shrewdness, understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. It's not mere intelligence but functional expertise.
• heart (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of a person's intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the seat of understanding and decision-making, not just feeling. A "wise heart" signifies profound inner discernment and good judgment.
• will know (יֵדַע, yeda): Similar to above, implies a deep, experiential understanding. It's about discerning through insight.
• the proper time (עֵת, et): Refers to the opportune moment, the fixed or appointed time for a particular action. This is about discernment regarding "when" to act, understanding that actions taken at the right moment yield favorable results, echoing themes from Ecclesiastes 3:1ff.
• and procedure (וּמִשְׁפָּט, u-mishpat): Literally "judgment" or "justice," but in this context, it often refers to the right way, the correct manner, the due course, or the fitting method of action. It's about "how" to act, implying decorum, tact, and effective strategy. It suggests discerning the just or proper course of action.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing": This segment presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship: obedience leads to a degree of protection or avoidance of trouble. This is a pragmatic piece of wisdom often observed in human experience, whether applied to human authority or divine commandments. It offers a promise of stability and less strife for the disciplined individual.
• "and a wise heart will know the proper time and procedure": This second segment identifies the distinguishing mark of a truly wise person. Their wisdom isn't just theoretical; it's practically applied through discernment of when to act (timing, patience, urgency) and how to act (method, propriety, justice). This indicates a highly sophisticated form of wisdom that ensures effectiveness and avoids unintended negative consequences, crucial especially when dealing with authority or complex life situations. This segment highlights that proactive, insightful action is superior to reactive or impulsive behavior.

Ecclesiastes 8 5 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a crucial aspect of Qoheleth's wisdom: that despite life's apparent absurdities and inequities, there is real value in skillful living and obedience. It highlights the power of applied wisdom as a means to gain an advantage in a chaotic world. The "proper time and procedure" resonates deeply with the "time for everything" theme found in Ecclesiastes 3, suggesting that wisdom lies in aligning one's actions with the right moment and manner. This practical counsel is particularly salient in a hierarchical society where defying authority without discernment could have severe consequences. Furthermore, the link between obedience to a "command" and avoiding "evil" implicitly touches upon the foundational Old Testament concept that walking in God's ways leads to blessing and protection, distinguishing between general worldly prudence and a more covenantal understanding of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 8 5 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:5 succinctly combines the benefits of dutiful obedience with the shrewd application of wisdom. It posits that maintaining a respect for commands, whether societal, royal, or divine, often acts as a safeguard against hardship, demonstrating a practical truth about life under established order. This initial point flows seamlessly into the declaration that true wisdom extends beyond mere compliance; it involves an acute discernment of "kairos"—the opportune moment—and "mishpat"—the appropriate method. A person possessing such a "wise heart" (embodying understanding and will) navigates complex situations, especially concerning authority (as suggested by preceding verses), with efficacy and minimal detriment. This verse emphasizes that practical success and avoidance of "evil" (trouble) come not just from general knowledge, but from the astute application of discerning intelligence, particularly in discerning the proper occasion and the right way to proceed.