Ecclesiastes 8:1
81 Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person's wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.
Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 8:1
King James Version
81 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
English Standard Version
81 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.
The Message
81 here's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Wisdom puts light in the eyes, And gives gentleness to words and manners.
New King James Version
81 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.
New Living Translation
81 How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its harshness.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:1
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:1-5
(Read Ecclesiastes 8:1-5)
None of the rich, the powerful, the honourable, or the accomplished of the sons of men, are so excellent, useful, or happy, as the wise man. Who else can interpret the words of God, or teach aright from his truths and dispensations? What madness must it be for weak and dependent creatures to rebel against the Almighty! What numbers form wrong judgments, and bring misery on themselves, in this life and that to come!