Ecclesiastes 8:1-6 - Wisdom Is Valuable

¹ Who 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. ² I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him]. ³ Do 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. ⁴
For the word of a king is authoritative and powerful,
And who will say to him, “What are you doing?”
⁵
Whoever keeps and observes a royal command will experience neither trouble nor misery;
For a wise heart will know the proper time and [appropriate] procedure.
⁶
For 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].