Wisdom’s Lessons in Subjection

Ecclesiastes 8:1-5

Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

² I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. ³ Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” ⁴ Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

⁵ He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.