Ecclesiastes 8:2-5

English Standard Version

² I say:^[a] Keep the king's command, because of ^(A)God's oath to him.^{[b] 3} Be not hasty to ^(B)go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. ⁴ For the word of the king is supreme, and ^(C)who may say to him, “What are you doing?” ⁵ Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.^[c]