Ecclesiastes 7:1-9 ▼

1 A good name is better than good oil, And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

2 It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every person, And the living takes it to heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.

5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise person Than for one to listen to the song of fools.

6 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is futility.

7 For oppression makes a wise person look foolish, And a bribe corrupts the heart.

8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than arrogance of spirit.

9 Do not be eager in your spirit to be angry, For anger resides in the heart of fools.