Ecclesiastes 8:4

The king's orders have supreme authority—who is going to question him, saying, “What are you doing?”

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

In Context

3Don't be quick to walk out on the king without thinking what you're doing, and don't get involved with those who plot against him, for the king can do what he pleases.

5Those who follow his commands will not be involved in doing evil. Wise people think, recognizing there's a right time, and a right way.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 8

Cross References

2 Samuel 24:4But the king was adamant so Joab and the army commanders left the king and went to census the people of Israel.

1 Kings 2:25King Solomon sent Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, who carried out the king's orders and executed Adonijah.

1 Kings 2:46The king ordered Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, to execute Shimei, so he went and killed Shimei. In this way Solomon's hold on the kingdom was made secure.

Job 9:12If he takes away, who can prevent him? Who is going to ask him, ‘What are you doing?’

Job 34:18He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’

Proverbs 20:2When a king gets terribly angry, he sounds like a roaring lion; anyone who makes him furious is liable to be killed.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 8:2-6

The Excellence of Wisdom; The Duty of Subjects. 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. 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… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Ecclesiastes 8:4