²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together ^(A)for good,^[a] for ^(B)those who are called according to his purpose.

² I say:^[a] Keep the king's command, because of ^(A)God's oath to him.^{[b] 3} Be not hasty to ^(B)go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. ⁴ For the word of the king is supreme, and ^(C)who may say to him, “What are you doing?” ⁵ Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.^{[c] 6} For there is a time and a way ^(D)for everything, although man's trouble^[d] lies heavy on him. ⁷ For he ^(E)does not know what is to be, for ^(F)who can tell him how it will be? ⁸ No man has power to ^(G)retain the spirit, ^(H)or power over the day of death. There is no ^(I)discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.