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Who knows the explanation of things? A person&#8217s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Who is like a wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Who is like the wise person and who knows the meaning of a matter? A person’s wisdom illuminates his face and makes his stern face brighten up. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man&#8217s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face and causes his stern face to beam. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face, And causes his stern face to beam. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man&#8217s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 hardness of his face is changed. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Who is smart enough to explain everything? Wisdom makes you cheerful and gives you a smile. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 hardness of his face is changed. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Who is really wise? Who knows how to explain things? Wisdom makes one's face shine, and it changes one's grim look. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Only the wise know what things really mean. Wisdom makes them smile and makes their frowns disappear. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Who is really wise? Who knows how to interpret this saying: "A person's wisdom improves his appearance, softening a harsh countenance." <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man?s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Who is a wise person? Who knows the solution to a problem? A person's wisdom brightens his appearance, and softens his harsh countenance. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Who [is] as the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man causes his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Who is as the wise? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man causeth his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Who as the wise one? and who will know the interpretation of the word? The wisdom of man shall enlighten his face, and the hard of face shall be hated.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The wisdom of a man shineth in his countenance, and the most mighty will change his face. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The wisdom of a man shines in his countenance, and even the expression of a most powerful man will change. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Who is like the wise person, and who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom illumines the face and transforms a grim countenance. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? Wisdom makes one’s face shine, and the hardness of one’s countenance is changed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> WHO is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face to shine, but he who is impudent shall be hated. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Who is like The Wise One and who knows the interpretation of the Word? The wisdom of a man will enlighten his face, and he whose face is shameless will be hated<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 is changed. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Who knows the wise? and who knows the interpretation of a saying? A man's wisdom will lighten his countenance; but a man of shameless countenance will be hated. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1420" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Obey the King</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: kə·he·ḥā·ḵām (Prep-k, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">is like the wise man?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: ū·mî (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows</a> <a href="/hebrew/6592.htm" title="6592: pê·šer (N-msc) -- Solution, interpretation. Corresponding to pshar.">the interpretation</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">of a matter?</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">A man’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/215.htm" title="215: tā·’îr (V-Hifil-Imperf-3fs) -- To be or become light. A primitive root; to be luminous.">brightens</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">his face,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5797.htm" title="5797: wə·‘ōz (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Strength, might. Or rowz; from azaz; strength in various applications.">and the sternness</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">of his face</a> <a href="/hebrew/8132.htm" title="8132: yə·šun·ne (V-Pual-Imperf-3ms) -- To change. A primitive root; to alter.">is changed.</a> 2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a> Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. <a href="/daniel/12-3.htm">Daniel 12:3</a> Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24</a> Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14-16</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. / The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. / “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a> A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15</a> Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a> Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">2 Corinthians 3:18</a> And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Proverbs 16:21</a> The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Proverbs 14:33</a> Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Who is as the wise man? and who knows the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.as the<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13,14</a> Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness… <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">1 Corinthians 2:13-16</a> Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual… who knoweth<a href="/genesis/40-8.htm">Genesis 40:8</a> And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.<a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Genesis 41:15,16,38,39</a> And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it… <a href="/job/33-23.htm">Job 33:23</a> If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:a man's<a href="/exodus/34-29.htm">Exodus 34:29,30</a> And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him… <a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8,9</a> Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her… <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24</a> Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.and the<a href="/deuteronomy/28-50.htm">Deuteronomy 28:50</a> A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:<a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13,29</a> Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus… <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19</a> And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,boldness<a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a> Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Beam</a> <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">Boldness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Brightens</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/psalms/135-14.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/psalms/107-35.htm">Changes</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Explanation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/job/38-38.htm">Hardness</a> <a href="/psalms/18-28.htm">Illumines</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/psalms/139-12.htm">Shine</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Stern</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/2-14.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Beam</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-21.htm">Boldness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Brightens</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-10.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-10.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Changes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/songs/2-14.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/daniel/7-23.htm">Explanation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Face</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-65.htm">Hardness</a> <a href="/luke/11-36.htm">Illumines</a> <a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Shine</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-2.htm">Stern</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 8</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">true wisdom is modest</a> 2. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Kings are to be respected</a> 6. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Divine providence is to be observed</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity</a> 16. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">The work of God is unsearchable</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This rhetorical question emphasizes the rarity and value of true wisdom. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The wise man is not just knowledgeable but possesses discernment and understanding that align with God's will. This echoes Solomon's own request for wisdom from God (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>), highlighting that true wisdom is a divine gift rather than mere human achievement.Who knows the interpretation of a matter? This phrase suggests the ability to discern and understand complex issues, a skill attributed to those with divine insight. In the Old Testament, figures like Joseph (<a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Genesis 41:15-16</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/2-27.htm">Daniel 2:27-28</a>) were known for their God-given ability to interpret dreams and mysteries. This ability to interpret is not just intellectual but spiritual, requiring reliance on God for understanding beyond human capability.A man’s wisdom brightens his face, Wisdom is portrayed as having a transformative effect, bringing joy and clarity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a bright face was a sign of favor and blessing (<a href="/numbers/6-24.htm">Numbers 6:24-26</a>). This transformation can be seen as a reflection of inner peace and confidence that comes from living in accordance with divine wisdom. The brightening of the face symbolizes the positive impact of wisdom on one's demeanor and relationships.and the sternness of his face is changed. The change from sternness to brightness indicates a shift from anxiety or harshness to peace and gentleness. This transformation can be linked to the peace that surpasses understanding, as mentioned in <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>. The wise person, through understanding and trust in God, experiences a change in countenance that reflects inner tranquility and assurance. This change is also a testament to the power of wisdom to alter one's outlook and interactions with others.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_wise_man.htm">The Wise Man</a> Represents those who possess wisdom, a key theme in Ecclesiastes, often associated with understanding and discernment. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_teacher/preacher.htm">The Teacher/Preacher (Qoheleth)</a> Traditionally believed to be Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, who reflects on the nature of wisdom and life. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a> The people of Israel, and by extension, all readers seeking understanding and meaning in life. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_context_of_ecclesiastes.htm">The Context of Ecclesiastes</a> A book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, exploring themes of life's meaning, the limits of human understanding, and the pursuit of wisdom. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_transformation_of_the_face.htm">The Transformation of the Face</a> A metaphorical event indicating the impact of wisdom on a person's demeanor and outlook.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a> Wisdom is invaluable and transformative. It not only provides insight but also changes one's demeanor and approach to life. <a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_understanding.htm">The Pursuit of Understanding</a> Seeking wisdom and understanding should be a priority for believers, as it leads to a more enlightened and joyful life. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_wisdom_on_relationships.htm">The Impact of Wisdom on Relationships</a> A wise person often exudes a calm and approachable demeanor, which can positively affect relationships and interactions with others. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_divine_gift.htm">Wisdom as a Divine Gift</a> True wisdom comes from God and should be sought through prayer and study of the Scriptures. <a href="/topical/t/the_reflective_nature_of_wisdom.htm">The Reflective Nature of Wisdom</a> Wisdom allows us to reflect on life's complexities and find peace and clarity amidst uncertainty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 8</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_7_16_conflict_with_matthew_6_33.htm">In Ecclesiastes 7:16, being 'overly righteous' is discouraged--doesn't this conflict with biblical commands to live righteously (e.g., Matthew 6:33)?</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_8_16-17_conflict_with_other_biblical_revelations.htm">Does the author's emphasis on the limitation of human understanding in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 conflict with other biblical texts that claim revelations of divine mysteries?</a> <a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_job_28_5_match_geology.htm">If Job 28:5 implies far-reaching knowledge of earth's processes, why does it not align with modern geological understanding?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>VIII.(1) This verse in praise of wisdom can be connected either with what precedes or what follows. (See <a href="/hosea/14-9.htm" title="Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.">Hosea 14:9</a>.)Interpretation.--The word occurs elsewhere in the Chaldee parts of Daniel.Boldness.--Impudence is removed from the countenance. See <a href="/proverbs/7-13.htm" title="So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said to him,">Proverbs 7:13</a>; <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm" title="A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he directs his way.">Proverbs 21:29</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/13-25.htm" title="The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.">Ecclesiasticus 13:25</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-9. - Section 5. There is no use in repining or rebelling; true wisdom counsels obedience to the powers that be, and submission to the dispensations of Providence. However oppressive a tyrant may prove sure retribution awaits him. Verse 1. - Who is as the wise man? i.e. Who is like, equal to, the wise man? The somewhat sudden question occurs naturally after the results of the search for wisdom mentioned at the end of the last chapter. The thought is not, as in <a href="/hosea/14-9.htm">Hosea 14:9</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/9-12.htm">Jeremiah 9:12</a>, "Who is wise?" but - No one Call be compared with a wise man; he has no compeer. And who [like him] knoweth the interpretation of a thing? Who, so well as the wise man, understands the proper relation of circumstances, sees into human affairs and God's dispensations in the case of nations and individuals? Such a one takes the right view of life. The word pesher, "interpretation," occurs (peshar) continually in Daniel, and nowhere else and is Chaldaic. The Vulgate, which connects these two clauses with <a href="/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Ecclesiastes 7</a>, renders, Quis cognovit solutionem verbi? So the Septuagint. The "word" or "saying" may be the question proposed above Concerning the happy life, or the proverb that immediately follows. But dabar is better rendered "thing," as <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:8</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8</a>. A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine; Septuagint, φωτιεῖ, "will enlighten, illuminate." The serene light within makes itself visible in the outward expression; the man is contented arid cheerful, and shows this in his look and bearing. This is an additional praise of wisdom. Thus Ecclus. 13:25, 26, "The heart of man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil. A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity." Cicero, 'De Orat.,' 3:57, "Omnes enim motus animi suum quemdam a natura habet vultum et sonum et gestum; corpusque totum homiuis et ejus omnis vultus omnesque voces, ut nervi in fidibus, ita sonant, ut motu animi quoque sunt pulsae." And the boldness of his face shall be changed. The word translated "boldness" is עֹז, which means properly "strength," and is best taken of the coarseness and impudence engendered by ignorance and want of culture. Wisdom, when it fills the heart, changes the countenance to an open genial look, which wins confidence and love. Delitzsch refers to the well-worn lines of Ovid, 'Epist.,' 2:9. 47 - "Adde, quod ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes Emollit mores, nec sinit esse feros." The Septuagint, "And a man shameless in countenance will be hated," shows an alteration in the text, and does not agree with the context. Vulgate, Et potentissimus faciem illius commutabit, "And the Almighty will change his face," where again the text is not accurately followed. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Who מִ֚י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is like the wise man? כְּהֶ֣חָכָ֔ם (kə·he·ḥā·ḵām) Preposition-k, Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise Who וּמִ֥י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix knows יוֹדֵ֖עַ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know the interpretation פֵּ֣שֶׁר (pê·šer) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6592.htm">Strong's 6592: </a> Solution, interpretation of a matter? דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause A man’s אָדָם֙ (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being wisdom חָכְמַ֤ת (ḥā·ḵə·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> Wisdom brightens תָּאִ֣יר (tā·’îr) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_215.htm">Strong's 215: </a> To be or become light his face, פָּנָ֔יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face and the sternness וְעֹ֥ז (wə·‘ōz) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5797.htm">Strong's 5797: </a> Strength, might of his face פָּנָ֖יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face is changed. יְשֻׁנֶּֽא׃ (yə·šun·ne) Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8132.htm">Strong's 8132: </a> To change <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise man? (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>