Eccles. 8:5-9
It is interesting how God allows human authority and rule, even when it is harmful to man. He even allows man to set himself up as a near-god figure, and does not directly smack him down. He does not even hint at opposition or rebellion against an unworthy ruler. Solomon states that a wise man will not experience trouble if he obeys the rules. We know that the apostles had trouble when they taught about Jesus, notably by breaking the rule. Christians would eventually be severely persecuted for not worshiping the Caeser. It is important to realize that there are under the sun things and in God's eyes things. Under the sun you protect yourself by obeying every rule. In God's eyes you do what the true Lord wants you to do. Trouble will come. Who do you want to please?
5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6 For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble [1] lies heavy on him. 7 For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? 8 No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. 9 All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt.
- How can a wise man best avoid trouble?
- How does knowing when to ask or when to do help avoid trouble?
- How does knowing the best way to do things help avoid trouble?
- Why does it take wisdom to know the best time and procedure? - Why is it impossible to completely avoid trouble?
- How might knowing when trouble is coming help to avoid it?
- Who can control misfortunes and calamities regardless of their earthly power? - What was Solomon's conclusion about authorities after considering life under the sun?
- Although a ruler can make a subject's life miserable, how much control does the ruler really have? - Why do people seek to achieve positions of authority?
- How do their motives influence what they accomplish?
It is interesting how God allows human authority and rule, even when it is harmful to man. He even allows man to set himself up as a near-god figure, and does not directly smack him down. He does not even hint at opposition or rebellion against an unworthy ruler. Solomon states that a wise man will not experience trouble if he obeys the rules. We know that the apostles had trouble when they taught about Jesus, notably by breaking the rule. Christians would eventually be severely persecuted for not worshiping the Caeser. It is important to realize that there are under the sun things and in God's eyes things. Under the sun you protect yourself by obeying every rule. In God's eyes you do what the true Lord wants you to do. Trouble will come. Who do you want to please?
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