Ecclesiastes 8:2-6
Christian Standard Bible
2 Keep[a] the king’s command because of your oath made before God.(A) 3 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. 4 For the king’s word is authoritative, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” (C) 5 The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful,(D) and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6 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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- 8:2 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg, Tg, Syr; other Hb mss read As for me, keep
Ecclesiastes 8:2-6
New Living Translation
Obedience to the King
2 Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. 3 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. 4 His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. 5 Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, 6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.
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