1 Who is like a wise man? Who knows how to explain things? Wisdom makes a man's face bright. It softens the look on his face.
2 I'm telling you to obey the king's command. You took an oath to serve him. You made a promise to God.
3 Don't be in a hurry to quit your job in the palace. Don't stand up for something the king doesn't like. He'll do anything he wants to.
4 He has the final word. So who can ask him, "What are you doing?"
5 No one who obeys his command will be harmed. Those who are wise will know the proper time and way to approach him.
6 There's a proper time and way for people to do everything. That's true even though a man might be suffering greatly.
7 No one knows what lies ahead. So who can tell a person what's going to happen?