8:5 Whoever obeys his 1 command will not experience harm,
and a wise person 2 knows the proper time 3 and procedure.
8:6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,
for the oppression 4 of the king 5 is severe upon his victim. 6
8:7 Surely no one knows the future, 7
and no one can tell another person what will happen. 8
1 tn The word “his” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for smoothness and clarity.
2 tn Heb “the heart of a wise man.”
3 tn The term עֵת (’et, “time”) connotes “a proper, suitable time for an event; the right moment” (HALOT 900 s.v. עֵת 6; BDB 773 s.v. עֵת 2.b); e.g., “it was the time for rain” (Ezra 10:13); “a time of judgment for the nations” (Ezek 30:3); “there is an appropriate time for every occasion” (Eccl 3:1); “the time when mountain goats are born” (Job 39:1); “the rain in its season” (Deut 11:14; Jer 5:24); “the time for the harvest” (Hos 2:11; Ps 1:3); “food in its season” (Ps 104:27).
4 tn Heb “evil”; or “misery.”
5 tn Heb “the man.”
6 tn Heb “upon him.”
7 tn Heb “what will be.”
8 tn Heb “Who can tell him what will be?”