Ecclesiastes 7:2-14

²It's better to go to a funeral than to a party. In the end, everyone dies, and those who are still alive should think about it.

³Sorrow is better than laughter, for tragedy helps us by making us think.

⁴Wise people think about the impact of death, while those who are fools only think about having a good time.

⁵It's better to listen to criticism from a wise person than to hear the song of fools.

⁶The laughter of fools is like the crackling of thorn twigs burning under a pot—without sense and quickly over.

⁷Extorting money from others makes wise people into fools, and accepting bribes corrupts the mind.

⁸Completing something is better than starting it. Being patient is better than being proud.

⁹Don't be quick to get angry, for anger controls the minds of fools.

¹⁰Don't ask, “Why were the good old days better than now?” Asking such questions shows you are not wise.

¹¹Wisdom is good—it's like receiving an inheritance. It benefits everyone in life.

¹²For wisdom provides security, as does money, but the advantage for those who have wisdom is that they are kept safe and sound!

¹³Think about what God does. If he makes something bent, you can't straighten it!

¹⁴On a good day, be happy. When a bad day comes, stop and think. God made each day, so you don't know what will happen to you next.