It is a good thing when a circumspect magistrate is in charge of governing the land. Even though in himself he is wicked, by God's grace he may nevertheless exercise authority with discipline and responsibility. When a prince governs with self-restraint and for the good of his people, the land can enjoy peace, harmony, and prosperity. Such are the principles of the fool. Governments run by such men cause everyone to suffer from their injustices, for they will use their powers to extract from people what they would not otherwise be willing to give.
Taxes can become an intolerable burden when sinners are in command.
Although he has addressed them throughout this section, he now directly exhorts them as to how to behave, subjected as they are to uncontrollable events. Instead of permitting inscrutable turns of events to dominate their thinking, they should put their hands to the task with full expectation that their labors shall not ultimately be in vain in the Lord. Here also the Preacher makes the final transition in his thoughts that leads to the resounding conclusion of his book. Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.