◄ Ecclesiastes 8:5 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

New Living Translation
Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right,

English Standard Version
Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.

Berean Standard Bible
Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

King James Bible
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

New King James Version
He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment,

New American Standard Bible
One who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.

NASB 1995
He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.

NASB 1977
He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who keeps a royal command experiences no evil thing, for a wise heart knows the proper time and custom.

Amplified Bible
Whoever keeps and observes a royal command will experience neither trouble nor misery; For a wise heart will know the proper time and [appropriate] procedure.

Christian Standard Bible
The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

American Standard Version
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment:

Contemporary English Version
If you obey the king, you will stay out of trouble. So be wise and learn what to do and when to do it.

English Revised Version
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever obeys his commands will avoid trouble. The mind of a wise person will know the right time and the right way [to act].

Good News Translation
As long as you obey his commands, you are safe, and a wise person knows how and when to do it.

International Standard Version
Whoever obeys his commands will not experience harm, and the wise in heart will discern both the appropriate time and response.

Majority Standard Bible
Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

NET Bible
Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.

New Heart English Bible
Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

Webster's Bible Translation
He who keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

World English Bible
Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Whoever is keeping a command knows no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knows.

Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is keeping a command knoweth no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knoweth.

Smith's Literal Translation
He watching the command knew no evil word: and time and judgment the wise one will know.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that keepeth the commandments shall find no evil. The heart of a wise man understandeth time and answer.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever keeps the commandment will not experience evil. The heart of a wise man understands the time to respond.

New American Bible
“Whoever observes a command knows no harm, and the wise heart knows times and judgments.”

New Revised Standard Version
Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who keeps a command shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He who keeps the commandment does not know an evil matter, and the heart of the wise knows time and judgment
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; And a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgement.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Obey the King
…4For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 5Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

Proverbs 28:5
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

Proverbs 16:20
Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.

Proverbs 4:10-13
Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many. / I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. / When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. ...

Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.

Proverbs 22:17-19
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge— / for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips. / So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 119:100
I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.

Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.

Matthew 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.

Luke 11:28
But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

John 14:21
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”


Treasury of Scripture

Whoever keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment.

keepeth

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Exodus 1:17,20,21
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive…

Psalm 119:6
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

feel

Ecclesiastes 2:14
The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

Ecclesiastes 10:2
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

1 Chronicles 12:32
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

Jump to Previous
Command Commandment Decision Discerneth Evil Experiences Feel Harm Heart Judgment Keepeth Keeping Keeps Law Manner Mind Obeys Procedure Proper Royal Time Trouble Wise
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Command Commandment Decision Discerneth Evil Experiences Feel Harm Heart Judgment Keepeth Keeping Keeps Law Manner Mind Obeys Procedure Proper Royal Time Trouble Wise
Ecclesiastes 8
1. true wisdom is modest
2. Kings are to be respected
6. Divine providence is to be observed
12. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity
16. The work of God is unsearchable














Berean Study Bible
Whoever keeps a command
The phrase "keeps a command" emphasizes the importance of obedience to authority and divine law. The Hebrew root for "keeps" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, observe, or give heed. This suggests a vigilant and active engagement with the commandments, not merely passive compliance. In a historical context, this reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of covenantal faithfulness, where adherence to God's laws was seen as a path to blessing and protection. Theologically, it underscores the conservative Christian belief in the authority of Scripture and the moral imperative to live according to God's revealed will.

will come to no harm
This phrase promises safety and protection for those who are obedient. The Hebrew word for "harm" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, distress, or adversity. The assurance here is that obedience to God's commands aligns one with His protective care. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the principle that God's laws are designed for human flourishing and that deviation from them leads to chaos and suffering. From a conservative Christian perspective, this is a call to trust in God's wisdom and providence, believing that His commands are for our ultimate good.

and a wise heart
The "wise heart" is a central theme in biblical wisdom literature. The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes skill, shrewdness, and prudence. The heart, "לֵב" (lev), in Hebrew thought, is the seat of intellect and emotion, not just feelings. Thus, a "wise heart" is one that discerns and understands deeply. This phrase highlights the value of wisdom, which is more than knowledge; it is the application of understanding in life. In a conservative Christian view, wisdom is seen as a gift from God, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

knows the right time and procedure
This phrase speaks to discernment and timing, crucial elements of wisdom. The Hebrew word for "knows" is "יָדַע" (yada), implying intimate knowledge or understanding. "Right time" and "procedure" suggest an awareness of the appropriate moment and method for action. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern value placed on timing and order, seen as essential for success and harmony. Scripturally, it resonates with the idea that there is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). From a conservative Christian perspective, this is a reminder to seek God's guidance in decision-making, trusting that He provides wisdom for every situation.

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 5. - Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing. This is an encouragement to obedience to royal authority (comp. Proverbs 24:21, 22; Romans 13:3). The context plainly shows that it is not God's commandment that is spoken of (though, of course, the maxim would be very true in this case), but the king's. Nor is it necessarily a servile and unreasoning obedience that is enjoined. Koheleth is dealing with generals. Such cases as that of Daniel and the three children, where obedience would have been sinful, are not here taken into consideration. "Shall feel," literally, "shall know," i.e. experience no physical evil. Quiet submission to the powers that be guarantees a peaceful and happy life. Ginsburg and others translate, "knoweth not an evil word," i.e. is saved from abuse and reproach, which seems somewhat meager, though the Septuagint gives, Οὐ γνώσεται ῤῆμα πονηρόν. The Vulgate is better, Non experietur quidquam malt. And a wise man's heart discerneth (knoweth) both time and judgment. The verb is the same in both clauses, and ought to have been so translated. The "heart" includes the moral as well as the intellectual faculties; and the maxim says that the wise man bears oppression and remains unexcited even in evil days, because he is convinced that there is a time of judgment coming when all will be righted (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The certainty of retributive justice is so strong in his mind that he does not resort to rebellion in order to rectify matters, but possesses his soul in patience, leaving the correction of abuses in God's hands. Septuagint, "The wise man's heart knoweth the time of judgment," making a hendiadys of the two terms. The Vulgate has tempus et responsionem, "time and answer."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Whoever keeps
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר (šō·w·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

his command
מִצְוָ֔ה (miṣ·wāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment

will come to
יֵדַ֖ע (yê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

no
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

harm,
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

and a wise
חָכָֽם׃ (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

heart
לֵ֥ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

knows
יֵדַ֖ע (yê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

the right time
וְעֵ֣ת (wə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

and procedure.
וּמִשְׁפָּ֔ט (ū·miš·pāṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 8:4
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