Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Ecclesiastes 8:2-8a
by: Dale E. Rood.
Recognize the authority structure under which you live, and submit to it in an appropriate way. Solomon is not saying that we should never question the decisions of a king or of the authority under which we live. What he is saying is that we must count the cost of doing so very carefully. Yes, there are times we need to stand up for what is right even against absolute authority, but make sure that what you “stand up for” is not a “bad cause”. (v. 3) Also be realistic in the causes you support. There is no sense in trying to postpone the inevitable. (vv. 7-8a)