Keep[a] the king’s command because of your oath made before God.(A) Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence,(B) and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. For the king’s word is authoritative, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” (C) The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful,(D) and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. For every activity there is a right time and procedure,(E) even though a person’s troubles are heavy on him.

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Footnotes

  1. 8:2 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg, Tg, Syr; other Hb mss read As for me, keep

Obedience to the King

Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.

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