Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance. New Living Translation How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness. English Standard Version Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. Berean Standard Bible Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Who is like a wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. New American Standard Bible Who is like the wise person and who knows the meaning of a matter? A person’s wisdom illuminates his face and makes his stern face brighten up. NASB 1995 Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. NASB 1977 Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. Legacy Standard Bible Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face and causes his stern face to beam. Amplified Bible Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face, And causes his stern face to beam. Christian Standard Bible Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. Holman Christian Standard Bible Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. American Standard Version 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 hardness of his face is changed. Contemporary English Version Who is smart enough to explain everything? Wisdom makes you cheerful and gives you a smile. English Revised Version 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 hardness of his face is changed. GOD'S WORD® Translation Who is really wise? Who knows how to explain things? Wisdom makes one's face shine, and it changes one's grim look. Good News Translation Only the wise know what things really mean. Wisdom makes them smile and makes their frowns disappear. International Standard Version Who is really wise? Who knows how to interpret this saying: "A person's wisdom improves his appearance, softening a harsh countenance." Majority Standard Bible Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man?s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. NET Bible Who is a wise person? Who knows the solution to a problem? A person's wisdom brightens his appearance, and softens his harsh countenance. New Heart English Bible Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. Webster's Bible Translation 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. World English Bible Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWho [is] as the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man causes his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. Young's Literal Translation Who is as the wise? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man causeth his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. Smith's Literal Translation Who as the wise one? and who will know the interpretation of the word? The wisdom of man shall enlighten his face, and the hard of face shall be hated. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe wisdom of a man shineth in his countenance, and the most mighty will change his face. Catholic Public Domain Version The wisdom of a man shines in his countenance, and even the expression of a most powerful man will change. New American Bible Who is like the wise person, and who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom illumines the face and transforms a grim countenance. New Revised Standard Version Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? Wisdom makes one’s face shine, and the hardness of one’s countenance is changed. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWHO is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face to shine, but he who is impudent shall be hated. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Who is like The Wise One and who knows the interpretation of the Word? The wisdom of a man will enlighten his face, and he whose face is shameless will be hated OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Who 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 is changed. Brenton Septuagint Translation Who knows the wise? and who knows the interpretation of a saying? A man's wisdom will lighten his countenance; but a man of shameless countenance will be hated. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Obey the King1Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. 2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.… Cross References Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Daniel 12:3 Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. / The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. / “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ... 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. Ephesians 1:17-18 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, Treasury of Scripture Who is as the wise man? and who knows the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. as the Ecclesiastes 2:13,14 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness… 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual… who knoweth Genesis 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. Genesis 41:15,16,38,39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it… Job 33:23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: a man's Exodus 34:29,30 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him… Proverbs 4:8,9 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her… Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. and the Deuteronomy 28:50 A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young: Acts 4:13,29 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus… Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, boldness 2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Jump to Previous Appearance Beam Boldness Brightens Causes Causeth Changed Changes Clear Countenance Explanation Face Hard Hardness Illumines Interpretation Makes Maketh Matter Sense Shine Shining Stern Wisdom WiseJump to Next Appearance Beam Boldness Brightens Causes Causeth Changed Changes Clear Countenance Explanation Face Hard Hardness Illumines Interpretation Makes Maketh Matter Sense Shine Shining Stern Wisdom WiseEcclesiastes 8 1. true wisdom is modest2. Kings are to be respected 6. Divine providence is to be observed 12. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity 16. The work of God is unsearchable Who is like the wise man? The phrase begins with a rhetorical question, emphasizing the rarity and value of true wisdom. In Hebrew, the word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes not just intellectual knowledge but a deep, practical understanding of life that aligns with God's principles. Historically, wisdom literature in the Bible, including Ecclesiastes, often contrasts the wise with the foolish, highlighting the unique and admirable qualities of those who live according to divine insight. And who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom brightens his face and the sternness of his face is changed Persons / Places / Events 1. The Wise ManRepresents those who possess wisdom, a key theme in Ecclesiastes, often associated with understanding and discernment. 2. The Teacher/Preacher (Qoheleth) Traditionally believed to be Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, who reflects on the nature of wisdom and life. 3. The Audience The people of Israel, and by extension, all readers seeking understanding and meaning in life. 4. The Context of Ecclesiastes A book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, exploring themes of life's meaning, the limits of human understanding, and the pursuit of wisdom. 5. The Transformation of the Face A metaphorical event indicating the impact of wisdom on a person's demeanor and outlook. Teaching Points The Value of WisdomWisdom is invaluable and transformative. It not only provides insight but also changes one's demeanor and approach to life. The Pursuit of Understanding Seeking wisdom and understanding should be a priority for believers, as it leads to a more enlightened and joyful life. The Impact of Wisdom on Relationships A wise person often exudes a calm and approachable demeanor, which can positively affect relationships and interactions with others. Wisdom as a Divine Gift True wisdom comes from God and should be sought through prayer and study of the Scriptures. The Reflective Nature of Wisdom Wisdom allows us to reflect on life's complexities and find peace and clarity amidst uncertainty.VIII. (1) This verse in praise of wisdom can be connected either with what precedes or what follows. (See Hosea 14:9.) Interpretation.--The word occurs elsewhere in the Chaldee parts of Daniel. Boldness.--Impudence is removed from the countenance. See Proverbs 7:13; Proverbs 21:29; Ecclesiasticus 13:25. . . . Verses 1-9. - Section 5. There is no use in repining or rebelling; true wisdom counsels obedience to the powers that be, and submission to the dispensations of Providence. However oppressive a tyrant may prove sure retribution awaits him. Verse 1. - Who is as the wise man? i.e. Who is like, equal to, the wise man? The somewhat sudden question occurs naturally after the results of the search for wisdom mentioned at the end of the last chapter. The thought is not, as in Hosea 14:9 and Jeremiah 9:12, "Who is wise?" but - No one Call be compared with a wise man; he has no compeer. And who [like him] knoweth the interpretation of a thing? Who, so well as the wise man, understands the proper relation of circumstances, sees into human affairs and God's dispensations in the case of nations and individuals? Such a one takes the right view of life. The word pesher, "interpretation," occurs (peshar) continually in Daniel, and nowhere else and is Chaldaic. The Vulgate, which connects these two clauses with Ecclesiastes 7, renders, Quis cognovit solutionem verbi? So the Septuagint. The "word" or "saying" may be the question proposed above Concerning the happy life, or the proverb that immediately follows. But dabar is better rendered "thing," as Ecclesiastes 1:8; Ecclesiastes 7:8. A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine; Septuagint, φωτιεῖ, "will enlighten, illuminate." The serene light within makes itself visible in the outward expression; the man is contented arid cheerful, and shows this in his look and bearing. This is an additional praise of wisdom. Thus Ecclus. 13:25, 26, "The heart of man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil. A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity." Cicero, 'De Orat.,' 3:57, "Omnes enim motus animi suum quemdam a natura habet vultum et sonum et gestum; corpusque totum homiuis et ejus omnis vultus omnesque voces, ut nervi in fidibus, ita sonant, ut motu animi quoque sunt pulsae." And the boldness of his face shall be changed. The word translated "boldness" is עֹז, which means properly "strength," and is best taken of the coarseness and impudence engendered by ignorance and want of culture. Wisdom, when it fills the heart, changes the countenance to an open genial look, which wins confidence and love. Delitzsch refers to the well-worn lines of Ovid, 'Epist.,' 2:9. 47 -"Adde, quod ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes Hebrew Whoמִ֚י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is like the wise man? כְּהֶ֣חָכָ֔ם (kə·he·ḥā·ḵām) Preposition-k, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise Who וּמִ֥י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix knows יוֹדֵ֖עַ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know the interpretation פֵּ֣שֶׁר (pê·šer) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6592: Solution, interpretation of a matter? דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause A man’s אָדָם֙ (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being wisdom חָכְמַ֤ת (ḥā·ḵə·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2451: Wisdom brightens תָּאִ֣יר (tā·’îr) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 215: To be or become light his face, פָּנָ֔יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face and the sternness וְעֹ֥ז (wə·‘ōz) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5797: Strength, might of his face פָּנָ֖יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face is changed. יְשֻׁנֶּֽא׃ (yə·šun·ne) Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8132: To change Links Ecclesiastes 8:1 NIVEcclesiastes 8:1 NLT Ecclesiastes 8:1 ESV Ecclesiastes 8:1 NASB Ecclesiastes 8:1 KJV Ecclesiastes 8:1 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 8:1 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 8:1 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 8:1 French Bible Ecclesiastes 8:1 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise man? (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
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