Ecclesiastes 7:4-22

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.

¹⁵Throughout my life I've seen so much that is hard to understand. Good people who die young despite doing what is right, and wicked people who live long evil lives.

¹⁶Don't think you can make yourself right by a lot of religious observance, and don't pretend to be so wise. Do you want to destroy yourself?

¹⁷On the other hand, don't decide to live an evil life—don't be a fool! Why die before your time?

¹⁸You ought to keep in mind these warnings. Those who follow God will be sure to avoid both.

¹⁹Wisdom gives a wise person greater power than ten town councilors.

²⁰There's not one good person in all the world who always does what is right and never sins.

²¹Don't take to heart everything that people say, otherwise you may hear your servant talking badly about you,

²²for you know how many times you yourself have talked badly about others!