Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 8:1

1 WHo is as the wise man ? who knoweth the interpretation of a thing ? a mans wisdom maketh his face to shine , and the boldness of his face shall be changed .

Who is to be compared with a wise Man? He is incomparably the most excellent Man in the World. Or rather, who is truly wise? The Particle, as being here not a Note of similitude, but of reality, as it is Ioh. 1. 14. and in many other places as hath been noted. There are very few or no truly wise men in this World. This seems best to agree with the Next clause, which is not, Who is as he that knoweth, but who knoweth, &c.

How few are there who understand the reasons of things and can rightly expound the word and works of God, and instruct and satisfie himself and others in all the doubtful and difficult cases of humane actions?

Maketh a Man illustrious and venerable, chearful, and mild, and amiable in his carriage to others. The face is put for the mind or inward frame, hecause the mind discovers itself in the Countenance.

The roughtness or fierceness, the pride and impudence of his disposition, as this Phrase is used, Deut. 28. 50. Prov. 7. 13. & 21. 29. Dan. 8. 23.

Into gentleness and humility.

Marginal references: Prov. 4▪8, 9. & 17. 24. See Act. 6. 15.; Heb. the strength.; Or, doubled.