Ecclesiastes 8:1-5
New American Standard Bible
King James Version
Chapter 8
1Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 2I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. 3Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 4Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? 5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.Christian Standard Bible
2Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God.
3Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.
4For the king's word is authoritative, and who can say to him, "What are you doing? "
5The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.
New Living Translation
2Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would.
3Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.
4His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.
5Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right,
English Standard Version
Chapter 8
1Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. 2I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him. 3Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.New International Version