1
here's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Wisdom puts light in the eyes, And gives gentleness to words and manners.
2
Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience.
3
Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours.
4
The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, "What are you doing?"
5
Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately.
6
Yes, there's a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part.
7
It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. Who's around to tell us?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.