19. What benefit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat, nor smell.
20. So is he who flees from the Lord, carrying the wages of his iniquity.
21. He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs.
22. You should not give your soul to sadness, and you should not afflict yourself by your own counsel.
23. The gladness of the heart is the life of a man, and it is a treasure of sanctity without defect. And the exultation of a man is length of life.
24. Take pity on your own soul by pleasing God, and show self-restraint. Gather your heart into his sanctity, and drive sadness far away from yourself.
25. For sadness has killed many, and there is no usefulness in it.
26. Envy and anger will diminish your days, and pensiveness will bring old age before its time.
27. A cheerful and good heart is like a feast. And its feasts are formed by diligence.