Ecclesiastes 7:1-12 ▼

1 A good reputation is better than precious perfume; likewise, the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth.

2 It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

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

5 It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools.

6 For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless.

7 Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool; likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.

8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride.

9 Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

10 Do not say, |Why were the old days better than these days?| for it is not wise to ask that.

11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing; it benefits those who see the light of day.

12 For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.