Ecclesiastes 8:1-8

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.

6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him.

7For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?

8No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.