2 I say:¹ Keep the king’s command, because of ^bGod’s oath to him.² 3 Be not hasty to ^cgo from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 For the word of the king is supreme, and ^dwho may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.³