Qoheleth Chapter Eight

Translation from the Anchor Bible commentary by R.B.Y. Scott 1 Who can compare with the wise man? Who else understands what things mean? A man’s wisdom lights up his face, and the hardness of his countenance is transformed. 2 Do what the king commands, because of your sacred oath. 3 Do not hurry from his presence in agitation; nor hesitate to go when the errand is distasteful. For he does was he pleases. 4 Since a king’s word is law, who dare say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 He who obeys will avoid trouble, and the wise mind will know when and how to act. 6 For there is a proper time and action in every circumstance. To his great misfortune 7 man does not know what will happen, and who can tell him how it will happen when it does? 8 As no man can control the...