The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.

So I turned to consider [secular] wisdom, madness, and folly; for what will the man do who succeeds the king? Nothing except what has already been done.

A poor yet wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction and counsel (friendly reproof, warning)—

for the poor youth has [used his wisdom and] come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

I have seen all the living under the sun join with the second youth (the king’s acknowledged successor) who replaces him.

After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].

For the word of a king is authoritative and powerful,
And who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

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.

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].

There was a little city with few men in it and a great king came against it and besieged it and built great battlements against it.

Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and when your [incompetent] officials and princes feast in the morning.

Blessed [prosperous and admired] are you, O land, when your king is a man of noble birth, and your princes and officials feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.

Moreover, do not curse the king, even in your bedroom, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry the sound and a winged creature will make the matter known.