10. Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
11. Wisdom is as good as an inheritance: yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.
12. For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.
13. Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14. In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God hath even made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out any thing that shall be after him.
15. All this have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his evil-doing.
16. Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
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 that withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
19. Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers which are in a city.
20. Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.