1
Who is like the wise man?
And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
Wisdom makes one's face shine,
and the hardness of one's countenance is changed.
2
Keep 1 the king's command because of your sacred oath.
3
Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases.
4
For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
5
Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way.
6
For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.
7
Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be?
8
No one has power over the wind 2 to restrain the wind, 2 or power over the day of death; there is no discharge from the battle, nor does wickedness deliver those who practice it.
9
All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while one person exercises authority over another to the other's hurt.