Key Verse Spotlight
Ecclesiastes 8:16 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) "
Ecclesiastes 8:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)
Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find
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From This Chapter
Ecclesiastes 8:1
"Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed."
Ecclesiastes 8:2
"I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God."
Ecclesiastes 8:3
"Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth"
Ecclesiastes 8:4
"Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest"
Ecclesiastes 8:5
"Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment."
Ecclesiastes 8:6
"Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great"
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