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. 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?
The term "interpretation" in Hebrew is "פֵּשֶׁר" (pesher), which implies a deep understanding or explanation of complex issues. This phrase suggests that wisdom involves not only knowledge but the ability to discern and explain life's mysteries. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wise men were often sought for their ability to interpret dreams and signs, much like Joseph and Daniel in the biblical narrative. This underscores the divine gift of wisdom that enables one to navigate and elucidate the complexities of life. A man's wisdom brightens his face
The imagery of a brightened face is powerful, suggesting that wisdom has a transformative effect on a person's demeanor. In Hebrew culture, the face is often seen as a reflection of one's inner state. The word "brightens" can be linked to "אוֹר" (or), meaning light. This metaphor indicates that wisdom brings clarity, joy, and peace, which are visibly manifested in a person's countenance. It reflects the inner tranquility and confidence that come from living in accordance with God's truth. and the sternness of his face is changed
The "sternness" or "strength" of the face, in Hebrew "עֹז" (oz), can imply a hard or severe expression. The transformation described here suggests that wisdom softens and alters one's appearance, replacing harshness with gentleness and understanding. This change is not merely superficial but signifies a deeper, spiritual renewal. In a biblical context, this transformation is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who imparts wisdom and produces the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, in a believer's life. 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 AudienceThe people of Israel, and by extension, all readers seeking understanding and meaning in life. 4. The Context of EcclesiastesA 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 FaceA 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 UnderstandingSeeking wisdom and understanding should be a priority for believers, as it leads to a more enlightened and joyful life. The Impact of Wisdom on RelationshipsA wise person often exudes a calm and approachable demeanor, which can positively affect relationships and interactions with others. Wisdom as a Divine GiftTrue wisdom comes from God and should be sought through prayer and study of the Scriptures. The Reflective Nature of WisdomWisdom allows us to reflect on life's complexities and find peace and clarity amidst uncertainty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the transformation of a person's face through wisdom reflect their inner spiritual state? 2. In what ways can we actively seek and apply wisdom in our daily lives, according to biblical principles? 3. How does the pursuit of wisdom in Ecclesiastes compare to the teachings on wisdom in the book of Proverbs? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our wisdom is rooted in God's truth rather than worldly knowledge? 5. How can the wisdom described in Ecclesiastes 8:1 help us navigate challenging situations and relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 4:7Emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom, aligning with the value placed on wisdom in Ecclesiastes. Daniel 12:3Speaks of the wise shining brightly, similar to the brightening of the face mentioned in Ecclesiastes 8:1. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom is divinely sourced. Psalm 119:130Highlights how understanding and wisdom bring light, paralleling the brightening effect of wisdom in Ecclesiastes. 2 Corinthians 3:18Discusses transformation through beholding the glory of the Lord, akin to the transformative power of wisdom. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Anything, Appearance, Beam, Boldness, Brightens, Causes, Causeth, Changed, Changes, Clear, Countenance, Explanation, Face, Hardness, Illumines, Interpretation, Knoweth, Makes, Maketh, Man's, Matter, Sense, Shine, Shining, Stern, Wisdom, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:1 4836 light, and people of God
5150 face
5173 outward appearance Library Misused Respite
'Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil'--ECCLES. viii. 11. When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. Abject in his fear before Moses, he was ready to promise anything; insolent in his pride, he swallows down his promises as soon as fear is eased, his repentance and his retractation of it combined to add new weights about his neck. He was but a conspicuous example of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFive Fears
Now, you will notice that fear may be yoked into the service of God. True fear, not fearing, but believing, saves the soul; not doubt, but confidence, is the strength and the deliverance of the Christian. Still, fear, as being one of those powers which God hath given us, is not in itself sinful. Fear may be used for the most sinful purposes; at the same time it may be so ennobled by grace, and so used for the service of God, that it may become the very grandest part of man. In fact, Scripture has …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
We shall this morning want you, first of all, to walk with a living man; it is said of him that he did "come and go from the place of the holy:" next, I shall want you to attend his funeral, and then, in conclusion I shall ask you to assist in writing his epitaph--"and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this also is vanity." I. In the first place, HERE IS SOME GOOD COMPANY FOR YOU; some with whom you may walk to the house of God, for it is said of them, that they did come and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Whether Christ Should have Been Circumcised?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been circumcised. For on the advent of the reality, the figure ceases. But circumcision was prescribed to Abraham as a sign of the covenant concerning his posterity, as may be seen from Gn. 17. Now this covenant was fulfilled in Christ's birth. Therefore circumcision should have ceased at once. Objection 2: Further, "every action of Christ is a lesson to us" [*Innoc. III, Serm. xxii de Temp.]; wherefore it is written (Jn. 3:15): "I have given …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether in Loving God we Ought to Observe any Mode?
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to observe some mode in loving God. For the notion of good consists in mode, species and order, as Augustine states (De Nat. Boni iii, iv). Now the love of God is the best thing in man, according to Col. 3:14: "Above all . . . things, have charity." Therefore there ought to be a mode of the love of God. Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. viii): "Prithee, tell me which is the mode of love. For I fear lest I burn with the desire and love of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a Sedition in Cyrene, and was a False Accuser [Of the Innocent].
1. And now did the madness of the Sicarii, like a disease, reach as far as the cities of Cyrene; for one Jonathan, a vile person, and by trade a weaver, came thither and prevailed with no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him; he also led them into the desert, upon promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions. And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed his knavery from them, and put tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed Catullus, …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 8:1 NIVEcclesiastes 8:1 NLTEcclesiastes 8:1 ESVEcclesiastes 8:1 NASBEcclesiastes 8:1 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
