Ecclesiastes 8:2-6
Legacy Standard Bible
2 I say, “Keep the [a]command of the king because of the (A)sworn oath [b]before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry (B)to go from his presence. Do not stand in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” 4 Since the word of the king is powerful, (C)who will say to him, “What are you doing?”
5 He who (D)keeps a royal command (E)experiences no evil thing, for a wise heart knows the proper time and custom. 6 For (F)there is a proper time and custom for every [c]matter, though a man’s trouble is multiplied upon him.
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- Ecclesiastes 8:2 Lit mouth
- Ecclesiastes 8:2 Lit of
- Ecclesiastes 8:6 Lit delight
Ecclesiastes 8:2-6
Common English Bible
Watch out for power
2 Keep[a] the king’s command
as you would keep a solemn pledge.
3 Don’t be dismayed; leave his presence.
Don’t linger in a harmful situation
because he can do whatever he wants!
4 Because the king’s word has authority,
no one can say to him, “What are you doing?”
5 Whoever keeps a command will meet no harm, and the wise heart knows the right time and the right way 6 because there’s a right time and right way for every matter. But human misfortunes are overwhelming
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- Ecclesiastes 8:2 Correction; Heb I (say?) keep
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