Ecclesiastes 8:1-8

1This is what I know about people who are truly wise. They know how to explain things. Wisdom helps a person to be happy. It causes them to smile even when they have trouble.

2You promised God that you would serve the king faithfully. So obey the king's commands.

3If you are with the king, do not leave in a hurry. Do not join with people who plan turn against him. Remember that the king can do anything that he wants to do.

4The king's command has complete power. Nobody can tell him that he is wrong.

5Trouble will not come to anyone who obeys the king's command. A wise person knows the right time to do things. He also knows the right way to do them.

6There is a right time for things to happen. There is a right way to do things. But trouble comes to people anyway.

7Nobody knows what will happen in the future. Nobody can tell us about it.

8Nobody has the power to control the wind. Also, nobody has the power to decide the day of their death. Soldiers are not allowed to leave a battle. Also, if people do wicked things, that will not rescue them.