Ecclesiastes 8:1-8

1Who is like the wise person? Who knows the meaning of a matter? A person’s wisdom makes his face shine, transforming the harshness of his face.

2I say: “Obey the king’s command, and especially in regard to the oath of God.

3Do not be hasty to rush out of his presence. Do not stand up for an evil cause, because he will do whatever he desires.

4Since the word of a king has authority, who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

5Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person’s heart discerns the proper time and procedure.

6For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person’s trouble is heavy upon him.

7Since no one knows what will be, who can tell when it will happen?

8No one has authority over the wind to restrain it, nor authority over the day of death. As no one is discharged during a battle, so wickedness cannot rescue its master.