For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him. For there is a right time and procedure to every purposeThis phrase emphasizes the importance of timing and method in fulfilling God's purposes. The concept of a "right time" aligns with the biblical theme of divine timing, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which states there is a time for every activity under heaven. The Hebrew understanding of time often involves the idea of appointed times or seasons, suggesting that God has a sovereign plan for all events. The word "procedure" implies that not only timing but also the manner in which actions are carried out is significant. This reflects the wisdom literature's focus on living skillfully and in accordance with God's will. The idea of purpose here can be connected to Romans 8:28, where all things work together for good for those who love God, indicating that God's purposes are ultimately for the benefit of His people. though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him
This part of the verse acknowledges the human experience of suffering and the burden it can impose. The term "misery" can be understood as the hardships and trials that people face in life. This reflects the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which often grapples with the apparent futility and challenges of life under the sun. The phrase "weighs heavily" suggests a significant emotional or spiritual burden, reminiscent of the struggles described in Job. Despite this, the verse implies that understanding God's timing and procedures can provide a sense of hope and direction. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in 2 Corinthians 4:17, where Paul speaks of momentary afflictions producing an eternal weight of glory, suggesting that present sufferings are temporary and purposeful within God's plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often explore the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. 2. IsraelThe nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of wisdom and the search for meaning in Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)The speaker in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who shares observations and reflections on life, wisdom, and the human condition. Teaching Points Understanding Divine TimingRecognize that God has ordained a specific time and procedure for every purpose. Trust in His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem burdensome. Wisdom in Decision-MakingSeek God's wisdom in making decisions. Understanding the right time and procedure requires discernment that comes from a relationship with God. Handling Life's BurdensAcknowledge that life's burdens can weigh heavily, but faith in God's timing and purpose can provide comfort and direction. Patience and TrustCultivate patience and trust in God's plan. Even when immediate circumstances are challenging, believe that God is working for a greater purpose. Practical Application of WisdomApply wisdom practically in daily life by aligning actions with God's timing and purposes, seeking His guidance in all endeavors. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's timing and procedure help us navigate difficult situations in life? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 3. How can the concept of divine timing provide comfort when we face burdens or challenges? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our actions align with God's purposes? 5. How do other scriptures, such as those in Proverbs or James, reinforce the teachings found in Ecclesiastes 8:6? Connections to Other Scriptures Ecclesiastes 3:1-8This passage discusses the concept of there being a time for every activity under heaven, reinforcing the idea of divine timing and order. Proverbs 16:9Highlights the theme of human plans versus divine direction, emphasizing that while humans may plan their ways, it is the Lord who establishes their steps. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously, connecting to the theme of seeking divine guidance for the right time and procedure. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Although, Decision, Delight, Evil, Heavily, Heavy, Judgment, Lies, Manner, Man's, Matter, Misery, Misfortune, Procedure, Proper, Purpose, Sorrow, Though, Trouble, WeighsDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:6 4903 time Ecclesiastes 8:5-7 8438 giving, of time Library Misused Respite
'Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil'--ECCLES. viii. 11. When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. Abject in his fear before Moses, he was ready to promise anything; insolent in his pride, he swallows down his promises as soon as fear is eased, his repentance and his retractation of it combined to add new weights about his neck. He was but a conspicuous example of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFive Fears
Now, you will notice that fear may be yoked into the service of God. True fear, not fearing, but believing, saves the soul; not doubt, but confidence, is the strength and the deliverance of the Christian. Still, fear, as being one of those powers which God hath given us, is not in itself sinful. Fear may be used for the most sinful purposes; at the same time it may be so ennobled by grace, and so used for the service of God, that it may become the very grandest part of man. In fact, Scripture has …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
We shall this morning want you, first of all, to walk with a living man; it is said of him that he did "come and go from the place of the holy:" next, I shall want you to attend his funeral, and then, in conclusion I shall ask you to assist in writing his epitaph--"and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this also is vanity." I. In the first place, HERE IS SOME GOOD COMPANY FOR YOU; some with whom you may walk to the house of God, for it is said of them, that they did come and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Whether Christ Should have Been Circumcised?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been circumcised. For on the advent of the reality, the figure ceases. But circumcision was prescribed to Abraham as a sign of the covenant concerning his posterity, as may be seen from Gn. 17. Now this covenant was fulfilled in Christ's birth. Therefore circumcision should have ceased at once. Objection 2: Further, "every action of Christ is a lesson to us" [*Innoc. III, Serm. xxii de Temp.]; wherefore it is written (Jn. 3:15): "I have given …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether in Loving God we Ought to Observe any Mode?
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to observe some mode in loving God. For the notion of good consists in mode, species and order, as Augustine states (De Nat. Boni iii, iv). Now the love of God is the best thing in man, according to Col. 3:14: "Above all . . . things, have charity." Therefore there ought to be a mode of the love of God. Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. viii): "Prithee, tell me which is the mode of love. For I fear lest I burn with the desire and love of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a Sedition in Cyrene, and was a False Accuser [Of the Innocent].
1. And now did the madness of the Sicarii, like a disease, reach as far as the cities of Cyrene; for one Jonathan, a vile person, and by trade a weaver, came thither and prevailed with no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him; he also led them into the desert, upon promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions. And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed his knavery from them, and put tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed Catullus, …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 8:6 NIVEcclesiastes 8:6 NLTEcclesiastes 8:6 ESVEcclesiastes 8:6 NASBEcclesiastes 8:6 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:6 Commentaries
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