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Ecclesiastes 8:1

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Verse 1 of 17

Scripture focus

Who [is] as the wise [man]? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:1

Theological / Devotional

Who is as the wise man? Several ancient versions read, “Who then is wise?”

The wise man. Wisdom, Solomon affirms, is superior to all other possessions.

Who knoweth? The truly wise man will know how to interpret the experiences of life. Daniel was a noble example of this (Dan. 5:10-29). The apostles Paul (1 Cor. 2:15) and John (1 John 2:27) stress the same truth. The Aramaic form of the word translated “interpretation” is found 31 times in the book of Daniel.

Face to shine. Inward serenity and wisdom are reflected in the face of one who is truly wise (see Job 29:24; cf. Num. 6:25; Ps. 4:6).

Boldness. Heb. ‘oz, commonly translated “strength.” Here the word probably means “hardness,” in description of a face that lacks gentleness, culture, and the finer virtues.

Changed. The grace of God transforming the heart will be reflected in the face by an expression of serene joy.

By SdaBc