Definition: If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 5:8. It's a really interesting and somewhat philosophical statement about how we should react to injustice. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse isn’t saying “don’t care” – it’s saying don’t be upset or don’t be surprised by suffering or bad things happening around us. It suggests there's a higher standard of goodness and rightness that we should observe, even when things seem unfair. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “If thou seest…” : This means "if you see..." – it’s a statement of observation. “…the oppression of the poor…” : This refers to situations where people are suffering because they lack basic necessities like food, shelter, or safety. It's about someone being treated unfairly and neglected. “…and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province…” : This is the tricky part. “Province” here means a region, a place, or even a community. "Perverting of judgment and justice" means acting wrongly or unfairly – bending the rules, being unkind, or not treating people fairly. “…marvel not at the matter:” This is a crucial part. It’s saying “don't be troubled by this.” It suggests that while it might feel bad, focusing on this problem isn't really important. “For [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth…” : This is where the wisdom comes in. "Higher than the highest regardeth" means “higher than anyone who truly cares about what’s right.” It implies that those with a deeper sense of morality and goodness are more concerned with these injustices than ordinary people. “…and [there be] higher than they.” : This reinforces that even those with the greatest concern should not be troubled by this situation. Overall Meaning – A Gentle Warning The verse essentially encourages us to maintain a sense of perspective and avoid being consumed by worry or sadness when we see injustice. It’s a reminder that there's something bigger, more important than our own feelings about the situation – a higher standard of righteousness. In simpler terms: Don’t get overly upset or worried about unfairness. Keep your eyes open to goodness and rightness, even when you see problems. --- Resources for further thought: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ecclesiastes](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ecclesiastes) - This page has a good explanation of the verse and its context. Wikipedia - Ecclesiastes 5: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiastes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiastes) - Provides a more detailed overview of the verses and their meaning. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical teachings? Give you some examples of situations where this principle might apply?