Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
(Ecc. 8:1-17)
Praise of true wisdom continued (Ecclesiastes 7:11, etc.). "Who" is to be accounted "equal to the wise man? . . . Who (like him) knoweth the interpretation" of God's providences (for example, Ecclesiastes 7:8, Ecclesiastes 7:13-14), and God's word (for example, see on Ecclesiastes 7:29; Proverbs 1:6)?
face to shine— (Ecclesiastes 7:14; Acts 6:15). A sunny countenance, the reflection of a tranquil conscience and serene mind. Communion with God gives it (Exodus 34:29-30).
boldness—austerity.
changed—into a benign expression by true wisdom (religion) (James 3:17). MAURER translates, "The shining (brightness) of his face is doubled," arguing that the Hebrew noun for "boldness" is never used in a bad sense (Proverbs 4:18). Or as Margin, "strength" (Ecclesiastes 7:19; Isaiah 40:31; II Corinthians 3:18). But the adjective is used in a bad sense (Deuteronomy 28:50).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ecclesiastes 8:1:
Ecclesiastes 5:17
Ecclesiastes 8:3
Ecclesiastes 8:5
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