Friday, January 18, 2008

Wisdom and Authorities

Eccles. 8:1-4

8:1 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.

2 I say: [1] Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him. [2] 3 Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
Footnotes
[1] 8:2 Hebrew lacks say
[2] 8:2 Or because of your oath to God
  • How does a man's wisdom make him shine?
    - When you have gained insight into something to the point that it made you smile?
    - When has gaining wisdom changed you completely?
  • Why should you obey the governing authorities?
    - Do you routinely feel uncomfortable around people in authority? Why or why not?
    - What should you do when the governing authorities are doing something wrong?
  • Why is it not wise to put your faith in earthly rulers, governments, and politics?
    - Why does God allow unrighteous and evil earthly rulers, governments, and politics?

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