Ecclesiastes 8:2-6
Modern English Version
The Value of Obedience
2 I say, “Keep the king’s command, because of your oath to God. 3 Do not be hasty to leave his presence. Do not take a stand in an unpleasant matter, for he does whatever pleases him.” 4 For the word of the king is powerful, and who would say to him, “What are you doing?”
5 He who keeps his command will know no evil thing;
and a wise heart will know the appropriate time and just way.
6 For to every matter there is an appropriate time and just way,
though a man’s distress weighs heavily on him.
Ecclesiastes 8:2-6
New King James Version
Obey Authorities for God’s Sake
2 I say, “Keep the king’s commandment (A)for the sake of your oath to God. 3 (B)Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.”
4 Where the word of a king is, there is power;
And (C)who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
5 He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful;
And a wise man’s heart [a]discerns both time and judgment,
6 Because (D)for every matter there is a time and judgment,
Though the misery of man [b]increases greatly.
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 8:5 Lit. knows
- Ecclesiastes 8:6 is great upon him
The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
