If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
Parallel translations
- KJV If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
- BSB If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
- NKJV If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.
- NASB If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your place, because composure puts great offenses to rest.
- NLT If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness can defuse great offenses. A composed, gentle response is wiser than panic or flight.
Overview
Qoheleth counsels steadiness and gentleness when facing a superior's displeasure, since a calm spirit can soothe even serious tensions. Self-control and patience are practical wisdom in volatile situations. Scripture commends this soft answer that turns away wrath, supremely modeled by Christ who answered injustice with quiet trust (Proverbs 15:1; 1 Peter 2:23).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Prov 25:15By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
- Eccl 8:3Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,
- 1 Sam 25:24–44She fell at his feet, and said, “On me, my lord, on me be the blame! Please let your servant speak in your ears. Hear the words of your servant.
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Original language
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