6aFor like the1 crackling of thorns under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason, aAnd a bribe1 debases the heart.
8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning; aThe patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9aDo not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable ato those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is1 a adefense as money is a defense, But the1 excellence of knowledge isthat wisdom gives blife to those who have it.
13 Consider the work of God; For awho can make straight what He has made crooked?
14aIn the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one1 as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing thatwillcome after him.
15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity: aThere is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16aDo not be overly righteous, bNor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish: aWhy should you die before your time?
18Itis good that you grasp this, And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who afears God will escape them all.
The end - The good or evil of things is better known by their end, than by their beginning. The patient - Who quietly waits for the issue of things. The proud - Which he puts instead of hasty or impatient, because pride is the chief cause of impatience.
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