\\INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 8\\

The preacher begins this chapter with the praise of wisdom, from its
excellency and usefulness, \\#Ec 8:1\\; and advises men, if they would
live quietly and comfortably, to honour and obey the king that rules
over them, and not be rebellious against him, since he has great power
and authority, \\#Ec 8:2-5\\; and not be anxious about things to come,
since there is a set time for everything, and future things cannot be
known nor frustrated; and, particularly, there is no avoiding the hour
and stroke of death, \\#Ec 8:6-8\\; Though there are times wherein
wicked men rule over others, it is to their own hurt, and they must
die; and though they may be pompously buried, yet are soon forgotten,
\\#Ec 8:9,10\\; and the reason of their insolence is the delay of
justice; yet there will come a time when it shall be well with them
that fear God, and ill with the wicked, though they may live long in
wickedness; and for the present it may befall good then what wicked men
deserve, and wicked men may have that which might, be thought more
proper for good men, \\#Ec 8:11-14\\; wherefore this should give no
uneasiness; but men should cheerfully and freely enjoy what they have
with thankfulness, there being nothing better than that under the sun,
\\#Ec 8:15\\; and the chapter is concluded with observing the
unsearchableness of divine Providence, \\#Ec 5:16,17\\.