Ecclesiastes 8:1-17
8:1 Wisdom is a light in a person. The willingness to learn and the inspiration of curiosity sparks life in the mind and the heart. Wisdom brings clarity and illumination to a situation.
8:2-3 Therefore listen to and retain the instruction given from God. Make an oath to follow His commandments and remain near to Him; to stand for righteousness is to be secure and productive.
8:4 God is our king and His power is mighty enough not to be challenged by any man.
8:5 Living under the commandments of God ensures that we navigate away from harmful situations. We receive the wisdom from God to discern what the righteous choice or reaction is.
8:6 God is present in the details and has a plan for them; though for us, unknown moments and situations cause misery.
8:7 Humans find the unknown very distressing; for peace, we must rely on the will of God.
8:8 We have little control in our lives, we certainly have no say in life or death, but when we commit ourselves to God, His power retains us in life and peace.
8:9 God will never abuse His authority but sometimes men do. Solomon observed that not all leadership is beneficial to the leader or the led.
8:10-13 Sometimes the world does not learn from evil done by certain humans; and sometimes the wicked do not, on earth, face judgement for the cruelty. But God remembers everything and holds each person accountable for their actions.
8:14 Solomon observed injustice on the earth, and without God, life would be quite meaningless because of it. We need Him to establish order and balance.
8:15 It seemed to Solomon that the only purpose a person could find in life was to try to enjoy it the best that they could. However, with God, life becomes much deeper and sweeter. Through God we are given purpose and love and hope.
8:16-17 A human cannot exist on the same intellectual level as God. We have to accept His wisdom and creation to the best of our ability; that is to follow His instruction and find the beauty of life in Him.
