1. The wisdom of a man shines in his countenance, and even the expression of a most powerful man will change.
2. I heed the mouth of the king, and the commandment of an oath to God.
3. You should not hastily withdraw from his presence, nor should you remain in an evil work. For all that pleases him, he will do.
4. And his word is filled with authority. Neither is anyone able to say to him: "Why are you acting this way?"
5. Whoever keeps the commandment will not experience evil. The heart of a wise man understands the time to respond.
6. For every matter, there is a time and an opportunity, as well as many difficulties, for man.
7. For he is ignorant of the past, and he is able to know nothing of the future by means of a messenger.
8. It is not in the power of a man to prohibit the spirit, nor does he have authority over the day of death, nor is he permitted to rest when war breaks out, and neither will impiety save the impious.
9. I have considered all these things, and I have applied my heart to all the works which are being done under the sun. Sometimes one man rules over another to his own harm.
10. I have seen the impious buried. These same, while they were still living, were in the holy place, and they were praised in the city as workers of justice. But this, too, is emptiness.
11. For the sons of men perpetrate evils without any fear, because judgment is not pronounced quickly against the evil.