If the spirit of the ruler rises against you,
(A)Do not leave your post;
For (B)conciliation[a] pacifies great offenses.

There is an evil I have seen under the sun,
As an error proceeding from the ruler:
(C)Folly is set in [b]great dignity,
While the rich sit in a lowly place.
I have seen servants (D)on horses,
While princes walk on the ground like servants.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 10:4 Lit. healing, health
  2. Ecclesiastes 10:6 exalted positions

If a ruler’s anger rises against you,
    do not leave your post;(A)
    calmness can lay great offenses to rest.(B)

There is an evil I have seen under the sun,
    the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
Fools are put in many high positions,(C)
    while the rich occupy the low ones.
I have seen slaves on horseback,
    while princes go on foot like slaves.(D)

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