Ecclesiastes 8:1-10

summary
In this section the Teacher reflects on wisdom when dealing with the power of kings and the unpredictability of God’s purposes. He urges respect for authority, recognizing that there is a proper time and way for every action, though humans cannot grasp when or how justice will come.

key verses
8:2-4 Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since a king’s word is supreme, who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

related verses
Romans 13:1-2 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.