Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.
Here is, I. An encomium of wisdom (Ecc 8:1), that is, of true piety, guided in all its exercises by prudence and discretion. The wise man is the good man, that knows God and glorifies him, knows himself and does well for himself; his wisdom is a great happiness to him, for, 1.
Commenting on Ecclesiastes 8:1-5
Be not hasty to go out of his sight,.... But of the sight of the King of kings. Do not think to hide thyself from him, for there is no fleeing from his presence, Psa 139:7; it is best, when under some consternation, as the word (y) signifies, or under some fearful apprehension of his wrath and indignation, to fall down before him, acknowledge the...
hasty--rather, "Be not terror-struck so as to go out of His sight." Slavishly "terror-struck" is characteristic of the sinner's feeling toward God; he vainly tries to flee out of His sight (Psa 139:7); opposed to the "shining face" of filial confidence (Ecc 8:1; Joh 8:33-36; Rom 8:2; Jo1 4:18). stand not--persist not. for he doeth--God inflicts what punishment He pleases on persisting sinners (Job 23:13; Psa 115:3).