16. No wealth is better than a healthy body,and no gladness is better than happiness in one’s heart.
17. Death is better than a bitter life,and eternal rest isbetter than chronic illness.
18. Good things that are poured outon a closed mouthare the same as food offeringsplaced on a grave.
19. Of what use is an offering of fruitto an idol?It can’t eat or smell.The person whom the Lord punishesis like this,
20. looking with the eyes and groaninglike a eunuch who embracesa young woman and groans.
21. Don’t let grief take you over,and don’t distress yourself on purpose.
22. A joyful heart means lifefor a human being,and a person’s rejoicingprovides long life.
23. Distract yourself, cheer yourself up,and keep grief far away from youbecause grief has destroyed many,and there’s no benefit in it.
24. Jealousy and angershorten a person’s life,and anxiety brings old agebefore its time.
25. Those who are cheerfuland contented at mealswill attend well to their food.