Ecc 8:1 | JFB | STEP | . 1. Praise of true wisdom continued ( , &c.). "Who" is to be accounted "equal to the wise man? ... Who (like him) knoweth the interpretation" of God's providences (for example, , 13, 14), and God's word (for example, see on ; )? face to shine-- ( ; ). A sunny countenance, the reflection of a tranquil conscience and serene mind. Communion with God gives it ( , ). boldness-- austerity. changed-- into a benign expression by true wisdom (religion) ( ). Maurer translates, "The shining (brightness) of his face is doubled," arguing that the Hebrew noun for "boldness" is never used in a bad sense ( ). Or as Margin, "strength" ( ; ; ). But the adjective is used in a bad sense ( ).

‏ Ecclesiastes 8:1

CHAPTER 8

1. Praise of true wisdom continued (Ec 7:11, &c.). "Who" is to be accounted "equal to the wise man? ... Who (like him) knoweth the interpretation" of God's providences (for example, Ec 7:8, 13, 14), and God's word (for example, see on Ec 7:29; Pr 1:6)?

face to shine--(Ec 7:14; Ac 6:15). A sunny countenance, the reflection of a tranquil conscience and serene mind. Communion with God gives it (Ex 34:29, 30).

boldness--austerity.

changed--into a benign expression by true wisdom (religion) (Jas 3:17). Maurer translates, "The shining (brightness) of his face is doubled," arguing that the Hebrew noun for "boldness" is never used in a bad sense (Pr 4:18). Or as Margin, "strength" (Ec 7:19; Is 40:31; 2Co 3:18). But the adjective is used in a bad sense (De 28:50).