Ecclesiastes 8:1-8

1Who is a wise person? Who knows the solution to a problem? A person’s wisdom brightens his appearance, and softens his harsh countenance.

2Obey the king’s command, because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him.

3Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases.

4Surely the king’s authority is absolute; no one can say to him, “What are you doing?”

5Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.

6For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.

7Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.

8Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked.