Though it may not be immediately obvious from the translations in Revised Standard Version or Good News Translation, verses 2 and 3 have similar themes and structures. Verse 2 begins with an imperative followed by a reason for carrying out the instruction. Verse 3 contains two negative imperatives followed by the reason for these warnings. Both suggest why a king should be respected.

Go from his presence is how Revised Standard Version translates the beginning of this verse. However, as we have noted, there is evidence that the end of verse 2, be not dismayed, should really introduce this verse. This same verb occurred in 5.2 and 7.9. In 5.2 the phrase “do not be dismayed” actually means “Do not be rash.” It describes a hasty or ill-considered action, which would be typical of a fool. So rather than advising a person to leave the king’s presence, this verse warns against leaving unless you consider carefully what you are doing. It advises against abandoning the king or refusing to support him. “Do not be dismayed” is a figurative expression meaning “Do not be in a hurry.” This is not advice about literally walking slowly (rather than running) from the throne room. Rather, it has in mind a wise person who carefully weighs actions before carrying them out. From his presence is literally “from his face” or “from before him.”

Translation suggestions:

• Do not rush to leave the king[‘s presence].

• Don’t be in a hurry to deny the king’s authority.

• Don’t walk out on the king without reflecting on what you are doing.

Do not delay when the matter is unpleasant: the verb ʿmd delay has several meanings: “stand,” “persist,” “join.” Revised Standard Version delay appears to follow the first meaning, “stand,” so that in the negative it comes to mean “do not stay” (see Good News Translation), hence “leave [quickly].” Note also Jerusalem Bible “do not be stubborn,” which carries a similar sense. We have already seen that the Hebrew word for “matter” can also mean “thing” or “word.” Here it is difficult to know what its intended meaning is because there is no context to refer to; what kind of matter or word is unpleasant and who speaks it are impossible to determine. However, there is another view of the meaning of the text here that will solve most of the problems. Waldman has demonstrated from Akkadian and Ugaritic sources that the clause the matter is unpleasant can refer to a conspiracy or plot against the king. If we combine this with the verb ʿmd meaning “join,” then we have a warning not to join any rebellion against the king. Furthermore, such an interpretation fits appropriately with the advice of the first imperative “Go” in this verse. We recommend that translators follow this interpretation here. Another possibility is a broader statement like “do not continue with evil plans”; however, even this more general rendering suggests some underlying plot against the king. A recommended translation is “and do not join any rebellion against him.”

Translators will note that our understanding of the text here differs from that found in a number of older translations. If their audience has access to a Bible that has another interpretation, it may be helpful for translators to add a footnote. The following is a possible form for that:
*Another possible meaning is “Leave when there is a dangerous situation.”

For he does whatever he pleases: Good News Translation places this phrase at the beginning of the verse; but there is no need to follow that example unless it is important in the language to first state the reason for an action and then refer to the action itself. English permits either form. The subject of the two verbs does and pleases is “the king” or ruler mentioned in verse 1. This can be stated in the translation if necessary. Pleases means “is pleased to do,” hence “wishes” or “desires to do.” The use of present tense “does” and “pleases” in English is one way of conveying the sense of the Hebrew imperfect. We can also say “can do whatever he wants to do” or “may do anything he likes” to express the idea of unlimited royal power. It is a warning that the king will punish the rebel in whatever way he thinks fit.

In translating the second half of this verse, we can consider the following examples:

• And do not join any rebellion against him, for the king is all-powerful.

• Do not rebel against the king, for the king can do [to you] whatever he wishes!

The entire verse can read:

• Don’t be too quick to walk out on the king or join in a rebellion against him. He can do anything he wants!

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Zogbo, Lynell. A Handbook on the Book of Ecclesiates. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .