Ecclesiastes 8:3
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Be not quick to go from before him. Be not fixed in an evil design, because he does whatever is pleasing to him.
Webster's Revision
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatever pleaseth him.
World English Bible
Don't be hasty to go out of his presence. Don't persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,
English Revised Version (ERV)
Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 8:3 Bible Commentary
Be not hasty - I consider the first five verses here as directions to courtiers, and the more immediate servants of kings.
Be steadily faithful to your sovereign. Do not stand in an evil thing. If you have done wrong, do not endeavor to vindicate yourself before him; it is of no use; his power is absolute, and he will do what he pleases. He will take his own view of the subject, and he will retain it. The language of a despotic sovereign was ever this, Sic volo sic jubeo, stat pro ratione voluntas; "I will this. I command that. No hesitation! My will is law!" Therefore it is added here, Where the word of a king is, there is power - influence, authority, and the sword. And who may say unto him, whether he acts right or wrong, What doest thou? Ecclesiastes 8:4. No wonder in such governments there are so many revolutions; but they are revolutions without amendment, as it is one tyrant rising up to destroy another, who, when seated in authority, acts in the way of his predecessor; till another, like himself, do to him as he has done to the former. In our country, after a long trial, we find that a mixed monarchy is the safest, best, and most useful form of government: we have had, it is true, unprincipled ministers, who wished to turn our limited into an absolute monarchy; and they were always ready to state that an absolute monarchy was best. Granted; provided the monarch be as wise, as holy, and as powerful as God!
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 8:3 Bible Commentary
Stand not ... - i. e., "Do not persist in rebellion."
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 8:3 Bible Commentary
8:3 To go - In discontent, withdrawing thyself from the king's service or obedience. Stand not - if thou hast offended him, persist not in it.For - His power is uncontrollable.