[6] For as the crackling of thorns 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 [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 [13] Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? [14] In the day of prosperity but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after [15] All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. [16] Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy [17] Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? [18] It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth [19] Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. [20] For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth [21] Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse [22] For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. [23] All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far [24] That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? [25] I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: [26] And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. [27] Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one to find out the account: [28] Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. [29] Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.