Ecclesiastes 8:1-8 ▼

1 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, And the boldness of his face is changed.

2 I [counsel thee]: keep the king's command, and that in regard of the oath of God.

3 Be not hasty to go out of his presence; stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

4 Forasmuch as the king's word hath power; and who may say unto him: 'What doest thou?'

5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; And a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment.

6 For to every matter there is a time and judgment; for the evil of man is great upon him.

7 For he knoweth not that which shall be; for even when it cometh to pass, who shall declare it unto him?

8 There is no man that hath power over the wind to retain the wind; neither hath he power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver him that is given to it.