Drink Devotional Method: Wisdom Before the Sovereignty of God (Ecclesiastes 8)

Wisdom before the sovereignty of God

Wisdom before the sovereignty of God guides us as we turn to Ecclesiastes chapter 8. In this passage, Solomon teaches us the beauty of living with wisdom under the sovereign rule of God. Life’s mysteries often leave us puzzled, but godly wisdom brings peace, clarity, and a shining countenance even when we don’t fully understand His plan. Today, we read and reflect on this important truth.

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D – Devotional Reading

Ecclesiastes 8 (KJV)

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 commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

6 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.

11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.

15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)

17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

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R – Reflection

As I read Ecclesiastes 8, I realize how limited my understanding is compared to God’s sovereignty. No matter how much wisdom I may gain, some things remain hidden and unexplainable. The reality of life’s injustices sometimes leaves me puzzled—why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Yet Solomon reminds me that those who fear God have hope beyond what I can see. God's timing is always perfect, though often mysterious. I must learn to trust in His higher ways, knowing that my role is to live wisely, to honor authority, and to enjoy the blessings He gives each day.

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I – Instruction

The Scripture teaches me to submit to authority as part of my obedience to God, to trust God's perfect timing, and to fear Him in every aspect of life. I cannot control life's outcomes, nor can I fully grasp the works of God. Instead, I must pursue wisdom, live righteously, and enjoy the simple blessings God provides, all while maintaining reverence for His sovereign rule.

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N – Now Live It

Today, I choose to release my desire to control outcomes and fully trust God’s sovereign timing. I will submit to proper authority with respect, seek wisdom in my decisions, and find contentment in the simple joys of life that God has graciously given me. Even when I don’t understand His plans, I will rest in His perfect wisdom.

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K – Kneel in Prayer

Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of Your wisdom and sovereignty. Help me to live wisely, to submit to rightful authority, and to trust Your perfect timing even when I cannot see the full picture. Teach me to enjoy each day as a gift from Your hand and to fear You with reverence and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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You may also read our Ecclesiastes 7 Devotional.

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🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you to day.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read my Daily Devotions here.

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