Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
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
Where the word of a king is, there is power,.... Or "dominion" (z). Authority goes along with his word of command; and there is an inferior magistracy, a subordinate power under him, ready to execute his will upon the rebellious and disobedient.
God's very "word" is "power." So the gospel word (Rom 1:16; Heb 4:12). who may say, &c.-- (Job 9:12; Job 33:13; Isa 45:9; Dan 4:35). Scripture does not ascribe such arbitrary power to earthly kings.