Old Testament

New Testament

Ecclesiastes 7:5-20 God's Word Translation (GW)

5. It is better to listen to wise people who reprimand you than to fools who sing your praises.

6. The laughter of a fool is like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot. Even this is pointless.

7. Oppression can turn a wise person into a fool, and a bribe can corrupt the mind.

8. The end of something is better than its beginning. It is better to be patient than arrogant.

9. Don’t be quick to get angry, because anger is typical of fools.

10. Don’t ask, “Why were things better in the old days than they are now?” It isn’t wisdom that leads you to ask this!

11. Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. It is an advantage to everyone who sees the sun.

12. Wisdom protects us just as money protects us, but the advantage of wisdom is that it gives life to those who have it.

13. Consider what God has done! Who can straighten what God has bent?

14. When times are good, be happy. But when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one time as well as the other so that mortals cannot predict their future.

15. I have seen it all in my pointless life:Righteous people die in spite of being righteous.Wicked people go on living in spite of being wicked.

16. Don’t be too virtuous, and don’t be too wise. Why make yourself miserable?

17. Don’t be too wicked, and don’t be a fool. Why should you die before your time is up?

18. It’s good to hold on to the one and not let go of the other, because the one who fears God will be able to avoid both extremes.

19. Wisdom will help a wise person more than ten rulers can help a city.

20. Certainly, there is no one so righteous on earth that he always does what is good and never sins.

Read complete chapter Ecclesiastes 7