New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ecclesiastes 8:1-7 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

1. Who is like the wise person,and who knows the explanation of things?Wisdom illumines the faceand transforms a grim countenance.

2. Observe the command of the king, in view of your oath to God.

3. Be not hasty to withdraw from the king; do not persist in an unpleasant situation, for he does whatever he pleases.

4. His word is sovereign, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

5. “Whoever observes a command knows no harm, and the wise heart knows times and judgments.”

6. Yes, there is a time and a judgment for everything. But it is a great evil for mortals

7. that they are ignorant of what is to come; for who will make known to them how it will be?