Catholic Public Domain Version

Ecclesiastes 8:1-7 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

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.