Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
Don't be quick to leave the king's presence, and don't persist in doing something wrong, because he has the power to do whatever he wants.
The writer is advising people to be careful and respectful around those in authority, avoiding both hasty departures and stubborn wrongdoing.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, that reflects on the meaninglessness of life without God and emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom amid earthly challenges. In chapter 8, the verse specifically addresses the dangers of dealing with powerful rulers, advising against rash actions or involvement in evil because kings in ancient Israel had absolute authority and could act on their whims without restraint. This context highlights the cultural reality of monarchies in the Near East, where challenging a leader often led to severe punishment or death.
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