Ecclesiastes 7:3-13 in English

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion maketh the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroyeth the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.

¹³ Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart will be made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear a reproof of a wise man, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ As the sound of thorns under a caldron, so is the laughter of fools: this is also vanity.

⁷ For oppression makes a wise man mad, and destroys his noble heart.

⁸ The end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof: the patient is better than the high-minded.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger will rest in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not, What has happened, that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire in wisdom concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and there is an advantage by it to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom in its shadow is as the shadow of silver: and the excellence of the knowledge of wisdom will give life to him that has it.

¹³ Behold the works of God: for who shall be able to straighten him whom God has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

¹³ Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

¹³ Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

³ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the banquet house: since this is the end of every man; and the living man will apply good warning to his heart.

⁴ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart will be made better.

⁵ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁶ It is better to hear a reproof of a wise man, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁷ As the sound of thorns under a caldron, so is the laughter of fools: this is also vanity.

⁸ for oppression makes a wise man mad, and destroys his noble heart.

⁹ The end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof: the patient is better than the high-minded.

¹⁰ Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger will rest in the bosom of fools.

¹¹ Say not, What has happened, that the former days were better than these? for you do not enquire in wisdom concerning this.

¹² Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and there is an advantage by it to them that see the sun.

¹³ For wisdom in its shadow is as the shadow of silver: and the excellence of the knowledge of wisdom will give life to him that has it.

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion maketh a wise man foolish; and a gift destroyeth the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance: yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.

¹³ Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

³ It is better to be sad than to be always laughing, because being sad can cause us to think more about how we should conduct our lives IDM.

⁴ Wise people who go to where others are mourning think about the fact that some day they also will die, but foolish people PRS do not think about that; they are always MTY laughing.

⁵ It is better to pay attention to someone who is wise rebuking you than to listen to the songs of a foolish person.

⁶ By listening to foolish people laughing we will not learn any more than by listening to the crackling of thorns being burned under a pot. Listening to fools is senseless.

⁷ When wise people say to others, “You must pay me a lot of money for me to protect you,” that causes those wise people to become foolish, and accepting bribes causes people to become unable to do what is fair/just.

⁸ Finishing something is better than starting something, and being patient is better than being proud.

⁹ Do not quickly ◄lose your temper/react to things angrily►, because it is foolish people SYN who become very angry.

¹⁰ Do not say, “Things were a lot better RHQ previously,” because it is people who are not wise who say that.

¹¹ Being wise is better than inheriting valuable things; being wise provides lasting benefits for every person on the earth MTY.

¹² We are sometimes protected by being wise like we are sometimes protected by having a lot of money, but being wise is better than having a lot of money, because being wise prevents us from doing foolish things that would cause us to die.

¹³ Think carefully about what God has done. Certainly no one can RHQ cause to become straight the things that God has caused to be crooked.

³ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the banquet house: since this is the end of every man; and the living man will apply good warning to his heart.

⁴ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart will be made better.

⁵ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁶ It is better to hear a reproof of a wise man, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁷ As the sound of thorns under a cauldron, so is the laughter of fools: this is also vanity.

⁸ for oppression makes a wise man mad, and destroys his noble heart.

⁹ The end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof: the patient is better than the high-minded.

¹⁰ Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger will rest in the bosom of fools.

¹¹ Say not, What has happened, that the former days were better than these? for you do not enquire in wisdom concerning this.

¹² Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and there is an advantage by it to them that see the sun.

¹³ For wisdom in its shadow is as the shadow of silver: and the excellence of the knowledge of wisdom will give life to him that has it.

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than joy; when the face is sad the mind gets better.

⁴ The hearts of the wise are in the house of weeping; but the hearts of the foolish are in the house of joy.

⁵ It is better to take note of the protest of the wise, than for a man to give ear to the song of the foolish.

⁶ Like the cracking of thorns under a pot, so is the laugh of a foolish man; and this again is to no purpose.

⁷ The wise are troubled by the ways of the cruel, and the giving of money is the destruction of the heart.

⁸ The end of a thing is better than its start, and a gentle spirit is better than pride.

⁹ Be not quick to let your spirit be angry; because wrath is in the heart of the foolish.

¹⁰ Say not, Why were the days which have gone by better than these? Such a question comes not from wisdom.

¹¹ Wisdom together with a heritage is good, and a profit to those who see the sun.

¹² Wisdom keeps a man from danger even as money does; but the value of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to its owner.

¹³ Give thought to the work of God. Who will make straight what he has made bent?

³ Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise, than to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad, and a gift destroyeth the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be vexed; for vexation resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not, How is it that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and profitable to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom maketh them that possess it to live.

¹³ Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what he hath made crooked?

³ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting: for in that we are put in mind of the end of all, and the living thinketh what is to come.

⁴ Anger is better than laughter: because by the sadness of the countenance the mind of the offender is corrected.

⁵ The heart of the wise is where there is mourning, and the heart of fools where there is mirth.

⁶ It is better to be rebuked by a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools.

⁷ For as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool: now this also is vanity.

⁸ Oppression troubleth the wise, and shall destroy the strength of his heart.

⁹ Better is the end of a speech than the beginning. Better is the patient man than the presumptuous.

¹⁰ Be not quickly angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of a fool.

¹¹ Say not: What thinkest thou is the cause that former times were better than they are now? for this manner of question is foolish.

¹² Wisdom with riches is more profitable, and bringeth more advantage to them that see the sun.

¹³ For as wisdom is a defence, so money is a defence: but learning and wisdom excel in this, that they give life to him that possesseth them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

³ A good name is better then a good oyntment, and the day of death, then the day that one is borne.

⁴ It is better to goe to the house of mourning, then to goe to the house of feasting, because this is the ende of all men: and the liuing shall lay it to his heart.

⁵ Anger is better then laughter: for by a sad looke the heart is made better.

⁶ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning: but the heart of fooles is in the house of mirth.

⁷ Better it is to heare ye rebuke of a wise man, then that a man should heare the song of fooles.

⁸ For like ye noyse of the thornes vnder the pot, so is the laughter of the foole: this also is vanitie.

⁹ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad: and the rewarde destroyeth the heart.

¹⁰ The ende of a thing is better then the beginning thereof, and the pacient in spirit is better then the proude in spirit.

¹¹ Be not thou of an hastie spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosome of fooles.

¹² Say not thou, Why is it that the former dayes were better then these? for thou doest not enquire wisely of this thing.

¹³ Wisedome is good with an inheritance, and excellent to them that see the sunne.

³ Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart may be gladdened.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression turneth a wise man into a fool; and a gift destroyeth the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou: 'How was it that the former days were better than these?' for it is not out of wisdom that thou inquirest concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance, yea, a profit to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.

¹³ Consider the work of God; for who can make that straight, which He hath made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

¹³ Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

³ Better is vexation than laughing; for through the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of joy.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than that a man should hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. Also this is vanity.

⁷ For exercising oppression maketh a wise man mad; and bribery corrupteth the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: better is the patient in spirit than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not rash in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Thou must not say, How was it that the former days were better than these? for it is not out of wisdom that thou askest concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is better than an inheritance, yea, preferable for those that see the sun;

¹² For under the shadow of wisdom a man is equally well as under the shadow of money; but the superior excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to him that possesseth it.

¹³ Consider then the work of God; for who can make straight what he hath made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: For by the sadness of the countenance the heart will be made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear a reproof of a wise man, Than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ As the sound of thorns under a caldron, So is the laughter of fools: This is also vanity.

⁷ For oppression makes a wise man mad, And destroys his noble heart.

⁸ The end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof: The patient is better than the high-minded.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: For anger will rest in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not, What has happened, That the former days were better than these? For thou dost not inquire in wisdom concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: And there is an advantage by it to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom in its shadow is as the shadow of silver: And the excellence of the knowledge of wisdom Will give life to him that has it.

¹³ Behold the works of God: For who shall be able to straighten Him whom God has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely the gain of oppression maketh a wise man foolish, and a gift corrupteth the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. Better is the patient in spirit than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not, “What is the cause that the former days were better than these?” For thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an estate? yea, it hath an advantage over it for them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence. But knowledge hath the advantage. For wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

¹³ Consider the work of God! Who can make straight that which he hath made crooked?

³ Grief is better than laughter, for after sadness of face comes gladness of heart.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of feasting.

⁵ It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise than to listen to the song of fools.

⁶ For like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so also is the laughter of fools. This, too, is vapor.

⁷ Extortion certainly makes a wise man foolish, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a matter than the beginning; and the people patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Do not be quick to anger in your spirit, for anger resides in the hearts of fools.

¹⁰ Do not say, “Why were the days of old better than these?” For it is not because of wisdom that you ask this question.

¹¹ Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good. It benefits those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom provides protection as money can provide protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to whoever has it.

¹³ Consider the deeds of God: Who can straighten out anything he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellence of knowledge is , that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

¹³ Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.

⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

⁷ Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

⁹ Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

¹³ Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight which he has made crooked?

³ Ire or wrath is better than laugh-ing; for the soul of a trespasser is amended by the heaviness of his cheer.

⁴ The heart of wise men is where sorrow is; and the heart of fools is where folly gladness is.

⁵ It is better to be reproved of a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattering of fools;

⁶ for as the sound of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughing of a fool. But also this is vanity.

⁷ False challenge troubleth a wise man, and it shall lose the strength of his heart.

⁸ Forsooth the end of prayer is better than the beginning. A patient man is better than a proud man.

⁹ Be thou not swift to be wroth; for ire resteth in the bosom of a fool.

¹⁰ Say thou not, What guessest thou is the cause, that the former times were better than be now? for why such asking is fond or foolish.

¹¹ Forsooth wisdom with riches is more profitable, and profiteth more to men seeing the sun.

¹² For as wisdom defendeth, so money defendeth; but learning and wisdom have this moreover, that those give life to them that have them.

¹³ Behold thou the works of God, and see that no man may amend him, whom God hath despised.

³ Ire is better than laughing; for the soul of a trespasser is amended by the heaviness of (his) cheer.

⁴ The heart of wise men is where sorrow is; and the heart of fools is where folly gladness is.

⁵ It is better to be reproved of a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattering of fools; (It is better to be rebuked by a wise person, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools;)

⁶ for as the sound of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughing of a fool. But also this is vanity. (for the sound of thorns burning under a pot, is like the laughter of a fool. But this is also empty and futile.)

⁷ False challenge troubleth a wise man, and it shall lose the strength of his heart. (Untrue words, that is, lies and slander, trouble a wise person, and they shall destroy the strength of his heart, that is, his resolve or his determination.)

⁸ Forsooth the end of prayer is better than the beginning. A patient man is better than a proud man.

⁹ Be thou not swift to be wroth; for ire resteth in the bosom of a fool. (Do not thou be quick to get angry; for anger lieth in the heart of a fool.)

¹⁰ Say thou not, What guessest thou is the cause, that the former times were better than be now? for why such asking is fond (or for such questioning is foolish).

¹¹ Forsooth wisdom with riches is more profitable, and profiteth more to men seeing the sun. (For wisdom is more profitable than riches, and profiteth all who see the sun.)

¹² For as wisdom defendeth, so money defendeth; but learning and wisdom have this moreover, that those give life to them that have them. (For like wisdom defendeth, so money defendeth; but learning and wisdom have this as well, that they give life to those who have them.)

¹³ Behold thou the works of God, and see that no man may amend him, whom God hath despised.

³ Better is sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, And the heart of fools in a house of mirth.

⁵ Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, Than for a man to hear a song of fools,

⁶ For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So is the laughter of a fool, even this is vanity.

⁷ Surely oppression maketh the wise mad, And a gift destroyeth the heart.

⁸ Better is the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better is the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.

⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, For anger in the bosom of fools resteth.

¹⁰ Say not thou, 'What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And an advantage it is to those beholding the sun.

¹² For wisdom is a defense, money is a defence, And the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom is, She reviveth her possessors.

¹³ See the work of God, For who is able to make straight that which He made crooked?