Ecclesiastes 8:5 net — Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.

NET Bible

"Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure."

— Ecclesiastes 8:5, NET Bible

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Ecclesiastes 8:5 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 8 — Context

2

Obey the king’s command, because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him.

3

Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste– do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases.

4

Surely the king’s authority is absolute; no one can say to him,“What are you doing?”

5

Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.

6

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.

7

Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.

8

Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked.

Ecclesiastes 8:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 8:5 say?
Ecclesiastes 8:5 in the NET Bible reads: “Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 8:5 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 8:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 8, verse 5.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 8:5.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 8:5 in?
Ecclesiastes 8:5 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 8:5?
Ecclesiastes 8:5 reads (NET): “Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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