8:2 Obey the king’s command, 1
because you took 2 an oath before God 3 to be loyal to him. 4
8:3 Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, 5
for he can do whatever he pleases.
8:4 Surely the king’s authority 6 is absolute; 7
no one can say 8 to him, “What are you doing?”
8:5 Whoever obeys his 9 command will not experience harm,
and a wise person 10 knows the proper time 11 and procedure.
8:6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,
for the oppression 12 of the king 13 is severe upon his victim. 14