If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
If a ruler becomes angry with you, don't abandon your position; staying calm and humble can ease even serious conflicts.
The writer is saying that when authority figures are upset with you, responding with humility and staying committed to your responsibilities is better than running away or fighting back.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom literature traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written during a time when ancient Near Eastern societies were governed by powerful monarchs who could act on whims of anger or favoritism. This verse appears in a section advising on practical wisdom for navigating everyday life, including interactions with authorities, where yielding to a ruler's temper could prevent escalation into greater conflicts. In the cultural context of the ancient world, such advice highlighted the importance of discretion and humility to maintain social stability and personal safety.
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