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Keep[a] the king’s command, and because of your sacred oath(A) do not be terrified; go from his presence; do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”(B) Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way. For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 8.2 Heb I keep

Watch out for power

Keep[a] the king’s command
    as you would keep a solemn pledge.
Don’t be dismayed; leave his presence.
    Don’t linger in a harmful situation
    because he can do whatever he wants!
Because the king’s word has authority,
    no one can say to him, “What are you doing?”

Whoever keeps a command will meet no harm, and the wise heart knows the right time and the right way because there’s a right time and right way for every matter. But human misfortunes are overwhelming

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 8:2 Correction; Heb I (say?) keep