8. The end of a matter is better than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9. Do not be hasty in your spirit to be vexed, for vexation rests in the bosom of fools.
10. Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not wise of you to have asked about this.
11. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and an advantage to those who see the sun.
12. For wisdom protects as silver protects, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
13. See the work of Elohim: For who is able to make straight what He has made crooked?
14. Be glad in the day of prosperity, but in the evil day take note that Elohim has also appointed the one as well as the other, so that man should not uncover whatever shall be after him.
15. I have seen it all in my days of futility: There is a righteous one perishing in his righteousness, and there is a wrong one living long in his evil.
16. Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise – why destroy yourself?
17. Do not be wrong overmuch, and do not be a fool – why die before your time?
18. It is good that you should take hold of this, and also not withhold your hand from the other. For he who fears Elohim comes forth with all of them.
19. Wisdom makes the wise strong, more than ten rulers that are in the city.
20. For there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and does not sin.
21. Also do not take to heart all the words they speak, lest you hear your servant cursing you.
22. For you know in your heart that many times you have cursed others.
23. All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, “I am wise,” but it was far from me.