Ecclesiastes 8:2-6

GOD’S WORD Translation

The Power of Kings Versus the Power of Death

² I ⌞advise⌟ you to obey the king’s commands because of the oath you took in God’s presence. ³ Don’t be in a hurry to leave the king’s service. Don’t take part in something evil, because he can do whatever he pleases. ⁴ Since a king’s word has such power, no one can ask him what he is doing. ⁵ Whoever obeys his commands will avoid trouble. The mind of a wise person will know the right time and the right way ⌞to act⌟. ⁶ There is a right time and a right way ⌞to act⌟ in every situation. Yet, a terrible human tragedy hangs over people.