In this chapter Solomon reminds us that a leader's relationship with their own leader plays an important role. Submission is not necessary for the sake of the higher leader, but because the office is structured that way within the organization and because God ordains it. But what about leaders who do not use their authority for the good of those they lead? Solomon clearly warns here that wickedness weighs heavily on a leader and that they do not know how things will happen. Leaders use their authority to serve people and to do good for them.
| Role of the follower | Role of the leader |
|---|---|
| Submits to God-given authority. | Uses God-given authority wisely and thoughtfully. |
| Trusts God to reach his goal. | Is aware that no human being can control everything. |
| Does not give up and does not divide. | Leads others by serving them. |
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
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.
Obey Rulers
2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
6 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.
7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
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