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.
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun. The Preacher summarizes his empirical investigation—ra'iti (רָאִיתִי, I have seen) emphasizes personal observation, while 'applied my heart' (naton et-libi, נָתוֹן אֶת־לִבִּי) indicates careful, deliberate reflection. He examined comprehensively kol-ma'aseh (כָּל־מַעֲשֶׂה, every work) done tachat ha-shamesh (תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, under the sun—in earthly existence).
There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. The Preacher observes a troubling pattern: authority relationships often harm the ruler himself. The phrase le-ra lo (לְרַע לוֹ, to his hurt) is ambiguous—it could mean the ruler harms himself through oppression (corruption corrupts the corrupt), or that ruling itself proves harmful to the ruler (the burden of power damages those who wield it). Both truths apply. Tyrants destroy themselves through wickedness (Psalm 7:15-16); even just rulers bear heavy burdens. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that greatness requires servanthood (Mark 10:42-45) and Paul's instruction that authorities are God's servants for good (Romans 13:4).
Historical Context
Solomon observed multiple examples of rulers harmed by their own authority. His father David suffered through Absalom's rebellion, partly resulting from David's own failures. Solomon witnessed how his own brother Adonijah's power grab led to his execution (1 Kings 2:13-25). Ancient monarchies regularly saw rulers corrupted or destroyed by power—assassinations, palace coups, and moral compromise were common. The verse's realism about power's corrupting influence contrasts with ancient Near Eastern propaganda that portrayed kings as beneficent and powerful without acknowledging costs. Israel's covenant theology recognized that even divinely appointed authority could become corrupted (Deuteronomy 17:14-20 warned against royal excess). Church history confirms the pattern—religious and political authorities often harmed themselves through abuse of power. Only Christ perfectly wielded authority without corruption, and His kingdom operates on inverse principles (Matthew 20:25-28).
Questions for Reflection
How have you observed people in authority—whether political, ecclesiastical, or familial—damaged by the very power they possess?
What safeguards do you maintain to prevent authority or influence you possess from harming both others and yourself?
Analysis & Commentary
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun. The Preacher summarizes his empirical investigation—ra'iti (רָאִיתִי, I have seen) emphasizes personal observation, while 'applied my heart' (naton et-libi, נָתוֹן אֶת־לִבִּי) indicates careful, deliberate reflection. He examined comprehensively kol-ma'aseh (כָּל־מַעֲשֶׂה, every work) done tachat ha-shamesh (תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, under the sun—in earthly existence).
There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. The Preacher observes a troubling pattern: authority relationships often harm the ruler himself. The phrase le-ra lo (לְרַע לוֹ, to his hurt) is ambiguous—it could mean the ruler harms himself through oppression (corruption corrupts the corrupt), or that ruling itself proves harmful to the ruler (the burden of power damages those who wield it). Both truths apply. Tyrants destroy themselves through wickedness (Psalm 7:15-16); even just rulers bear heavy burdens. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that greatness requires servanthood (Mark 10:42-45) and Paul's instruction that authorities are God's servants for good (Romans 13:4).