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Better [is] the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: [and] the patient in spirit [is] better than the proud in spirit (7:8) Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools (7:9) Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this (7:10) Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun (7:11) For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it (7:12) Consider the work of God: for who can make [that] straight, which he hath made crooked? (7:13) In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him (7:14) All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness (7:15) Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? (7:16) Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? (7:17) [It is] good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all (7:18) Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city (7:19) For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not (7:20) Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: (7:21) For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others (7:22) All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it [was] far from me (7:23) That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? (7:24) I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things], and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness: (7:25) And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her (7:26) Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, [counting] one by one, to find out the account: (7:27) Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found (7:28) Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions
(7:29)
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