Ecclesiastes 8:1-2
Ecclesiastes 8:1-7 The Message (MSG)
There’s nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Wisdom puts light in the eyes, And gives gentleness to words and manners. Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience. Don’t worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You’re serving his pleasure, not yours. The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, “What are you doing?” Carrying out orders won’t hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately. Yes, there’s a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. It’s true that no one knows what’s going to happen, or when. Who’s around to tell us?
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 King James Version (KJV)
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 New Century Version (NCV)
No one is like the wise person who can understand what things mean. Wisdom brings happiness; it makes sad faces happy. Obey the king’s command, because you made a promise to God.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 American Standard Version (ASV)
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 New International Version (NIV)
Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance. Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)
Who is like a wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-2 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines his face, And causes his stern face to beam. I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him]. [2 Sam 21:7]