12. Some of them he blessed and exalted, And some of them he hallowed and brought near to himself: Some of them he cursed and brought low, And overthrew them from their place.
13. As the clay of the potter in his hand, All his ways are according to his good pleasure; So men are in the hand of him that made them, To render to them according to his judgement.
14. Good is set over against evil, And life over against death: So is the sinner over against the godly.
15. And thus look upon all the works of the Most High; Two and two, one against another.
16. And I waked up last, As one that gleans after the grape gatherers: By the blessing of the Lord I got before them, And filled my winepress as one that gathers grapes.
17. Consider that I laboured not for myself alone, But for all them that seek instruction.
18. Hear me, you⌃ great men of the people, And hearken with your ears, you⌃ rulers of the congregation.
19. To son and wife, to brother and friend, Give not power over you while you live; And give not your goods to another, Lest you repent and make supplication for them again.
20. Whilst you yet live, and breath is in you, Give not yourself over to anybody.
21. For better it is that your children should supplicate you, Than that you should look to the hand of your sons.
22. In all your works keep the upper hand; Bring not a stain on your honor.
23. In the day that you endest the days of your life, And in the time of death, distribute your inheritance.
24. Fodder, a stick, and burdens, for an ass; Bread, and discipline, and work, for a servant.