For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him. For there isThis phrase introduces a statement of certainty and universality. The Hebrew word used here is "כִּי" (ki), which often serves as a conjunction meaning "for" or "because." It sets the stage for a truth that is applicable to all people, emphasizing the divine order and wisdom inherent in God's creation. This opening assures the reader that what follows is a principle grounded in the reality of God's sovereign design. a right time
The Hebrew word for "time" is "עֵת" (et), which signifies an appointed time or season. This concept is central to the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Ecclesiastes, where the timing of events is seen as part of God's divine plan. The "right time" implies that there is an appropriate moment for every action, reflecting the belief that God orchestrates the events of the world according to His perfect wisdom and timing. and procedure
The term "procedure" is translated from the Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which can mean judgment, justice, or a prescribed way of doing things. This suggests that not only is there a right time for every purpose, but there is also a correct method or process to be followed. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of order, and His ways are just and righteous. It encourages believers to seek God's guidance in understanding the proper way to act in various situations. to every purpose
The word "purpose" comes from the Hebrew "חֵפֶץ" (chefetz), meaning desire, delight, or matter. This indicates that every intention or plan has its own divinely appointed time and method. It underscores the idea that human desires and plans should align with God's will, as He has a purpose for everything under heaven. This encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan and to align their purposes with His. though a man's misery
The phrase "a man's misery" refers to the burdens and sorrows that individuals experience in life. The Hebrew word "רָעָה" (ra'ah) is used here, which can mean evil, distress, or adversity. This acknowledges the reality of human suffering and the weight of life's challenges. It serves as a reminder that, despite the difficulties we face, there is a divine order and purpose that transcends our immediate circumstances. weighs heavily upon him
This phrase captures the oppressive nature of human suffering. The Hebrew verb "לָבַד" (lavad) conveys the idea of something being heavy or burdensome. It reflects the existential weight that people often feel as they navigate the complexities of life. However, within the context of the verse, it also offers hope, suggesting that even in the midst of suffering, there is a divine timing and procedure that can bring meaning and resolution to our struggles. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often explore the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. 2. IsraelThe nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of wisdom and the search for meaning in Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)The speaker in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who shares observations and reflections on life, wisdom, and the human condition. Teaching Points Understanding Divine TimingRecognize that God has ordained a specific time and procedure for every purpose. Trust in His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem burdensome. Wisdom in Decision-MakingSeek God's wisdom in making decisions. Understanding the right time and procedure requires discernment that comes from a relationship with God. Handling Life's BurdensAcknowledge that life's burdens can weigh heavily, but faith in God's timing and purpose can provide comfort and direction. Patience and TrustCultivate patience and trust in God's plan. Even when immediate circumstances are challenging, believe that God is working for a greater purpose. Practical Application of WisdomApply wisdom practically in daily life by aligning actions with God's timing and purposes, seeking His guidance in all endeavors. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's timing and procedure help us navigate difficult situations in life? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 3. How can the concept of divine timing provide comfort when we face burdens or challenges? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our actions align with God's purposes? 5. How do other scriptures, such as those in Proverbs or James, reinforce the teachings found in Ecclesiastes 8:6? Connections to Other Scriptures Ecclesiastes 3:1-8This passage discusses the concept of there being a time for every activity under heaven, reinforcing the idea of divine timing and order. Proverbs 16:9Highlights the theme of human plans versus divine direction, emphasizing that while humans may plan their ways, it is the Lord who establishes their steps. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously, connecting to the theme of seeking divine guidance for the right time and procedure. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Although, Decision, Delight, Evil, Heavily, Heavy, Judgment, Lies, Manner, Man's, Matter, Misery, Misfortune, Procedure, Proper, Purpose, Sorrow, Though, Trouble, WeighsDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:6 4903 time Ecclesiastes 8:5-7 8438 giving, of time 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 8:6 NIVEcclesiastes 8:6 NLTEcclesiastes 8:6 ESVEcclesiastes 8:6 NASBEcclesiastes 8:6 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:6 Commentaries
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