“If the anger of the ruler
Rises against you,
Do not leave your post.
Calmness will undo great offenses.
There is an evil
That I have seen
Under the sun.
It proceeded from the ruler.
Folly is set in many high places.
The rich sit in a low place.
I have seen
Slaves on horseback.
I have seen
Princes walking on foot
Like slaves.”
Even if the ruler is mad at you, do not leave your post. Calmness will set in so that the king will no longer be angry at you. One of the great evils that Qoheleth has seen is foolish rulers. They made the rich sit in low places. In fact, he has seen slaves riding on horses. At the same time, he has seen princes walking on foot as if they were slaves in this Topsy-Turvy world.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 