Ecclesiastes 8:3

"'Do not be in. hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.'"in. hurry to leave him" -Which would include the need for proper decorum and respect while in his presence. But the phrase here seems to include more than merely rushing out of his presence or leaving before one is properly excused. The context of the verse seems to include the idea of deserting or quitting. "Rebel not rashly against him" (Mof).

"Do not join in an evil matter" -"Do not be stubborn when the cause is not. good one" (Kidner p. 75); "Do not stand firm in. bad cause" (AAT).

Point To Note:

These words are greatly needed to every generation, for it always seems that even among professed believers there is an element that resents every form of human authority. People who just can't wait to ridicule those in power, or look for an excuse to rebel. Christians need to be very careful about the instances of civil disobedience or rebellion which they endorse. The inference seems to be that legitimate occasions to defy the governing authorities in the land are few and far between. The wise man will never rashly support any movement. And wise men will also correct themselves when they realize that they are supporting an evil cause.

"he will do whatever he pleases" -Not that kings are given. divine right to sin, but the king will inflict whatever punishment he wishes on the evil-doer (Proverbs 20:2; Romans 13:4; 1 Peter 2:14).