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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

I say:[a] Keep the king's command, because of (A)God's oath to him.[b] Be not hasty to (B)go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of the king is supreme, and (C)who may say to him, “What are you doing?” Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.[c] For there is a time and a way (D)for everything, although man's trouble[d] lies heavy on him.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 8:2 Hebrew lacks say
  2. Ecclesiastes 8:2 Or because of your oath to God
  3. Ecclesiastes 8:5 Or and judgment
  4. Ecclesiastes 8:6 Or evil