Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

8:1 softening its harshness: Anxiety, anger, sorrow, and frustration can harden one’s face, but the enjoyment of life and wisdom will lighten it.

Verse 2

8:2 since you vowed to God that you would: Cp. 5:2-6; 1 Kgs 2:41-43.

Verse 3

8:3-4 Plotting against the king is futile because he has great power and can do whatever he wants.

Verse 6

8:6 there is a time . . . for everything: Those who are wise will be ready when an opportune time appears (see 3:1-8; Eph 5:16).

Verse 7

8:7-8 Since our strength, goodness, and wisdom cannot forestall calamity, turning to wickedness would certainly be futile.

Verse 9

8:9-11 In this world, injustice often prevails. The apparent success of the wicked can be frustrating.

Verse 12

8:12-13 Injustice is momentary and does not upset God’s plans for justice (3:16-17; 12:14). In reality, wickedness does not pay.

Verse 15

8:15 The Teacher’s conclusion is familiar (2:24-25; 3:12-13, 22; 5:18-20; 6:9). In spite of tragedies and hard labor, we can enjoy life and be happy. • In Hebrew, the word translated having fun means finding enjoyment in our daily activities, not pursuing pleasure or entertainment for its own sake.

Verse 16

8:16–9:12 Another generalization from lifelong observation is that death appears to be meaningless. Why do some die and others live longer? God’s sovereign decision in this matter is unpredictable (7:13-14).

8:16-17 A person could spend night and day looking for the answers to every question, but the reasons for everything will not be apparent. God’s justice, for example, is sometimes mysterious.