Ecclesiastes 8:1-8

1Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face, And causes his stern face to beam.

2I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].

3Do not be in a hurry to get out of his presence. Do not join in a malevolent matter, for the king will do whatever he pleases.

4For the word of a king is authoritative and powerful, And who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

5Whoever keeps and observes a royal command will experience neither trouble nor misery; For a wise heart will know the proper time and [appropriate] procedure.

6For there is a proper time and [appropriate] procedure for every delight, Though mankind’s misery and trouble lies heavily upon him [who rebels against the king].

7For no one knows what will happen; So who can tell him how and when it will happen?

8There is no man who has power and authority over the wind to restrain the wind, Nor does he have authority over the day of death; There is no discharge [from service] during time of war, And evil will not rescue those who [actively seek to] practice it.