Ecclesiastes 8:1-8 ▼

1 Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face, And causes his stern face to beam.

2 I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].

3 Do not be in a hurry to get out of his presence. Do not join in a malevolent matter, for the king will do whatever he pleases.

4 For the word of a king is authoritative and powerful, And who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

5 Whoever keeps and observes a royal command will experience neither trouble nor misery; For a wise heart will know the proper time and [appropriate] procedure.

6 For there is a proper time and [appropriate] procedure for every delight, Though mankind’s misery and trouble lies heavily upon him [who rebels against the king].

7 For no one knows what will happen; So who can tell him how and when it will happen?

8 There is no man who has power and authority over the wind to restrain the wind, Nor does he have authority over the day of death; There is no discharge [from service] during time of war, And evil will not rescue those who [actively seek to] practice it.