1A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. Many Bible Versions
2It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Many Bible Versions
3Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Many Bible Versions
4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. Many Bible Versions
5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. Many Bible Versions
6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Many Bible Versions
7Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Many Bible Versions
8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Many Bible Versions
9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Many Bible Versions
10Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. Many Bible Versions
11Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. Many Bible Versions
12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Many Bible Versions
13Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? Many Bible Versions
14In 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. Many Bible Versions
15All 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. Many Bible Versions
16Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Many Bible Versions
17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? Many Bible Versions
18It 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. Many Bible Versions
19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. Many Bible Versions
20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Many Bible Versions
21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: Many Bible Versions
22For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. Many Bible Versions
23All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. Many Bible Versions
24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? Many Bible Versions
25I 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: Many Bible Versions
26And 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. Many Bible Versions
27Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Many Bible Versions
28Which 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. Many Bible Versions
29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Many Bible Versions