Good News Bible

Ecclesiastes 7:4-12 Good News Bible (GNB)

4. Someone who is always thinking about happiness is a fool. A wise person thinks about death.

5. It is better to have wise people reprimand you than to have stupid people sing your praises.

6. When a fool laughs, it is like thorns crackling in a fire. It doesn't mean a thing.

7. You may be wise, but if you cheat someone, you are acting like a fool. If you take a bribe, you ruin your character.

8. The end of anything is better than its beginning.Patience is better than pride.

9. Keep your temper under control; it is foolish to harbour a grudge.

10. Never ask, “Oh, why were things so much better in the old days?” It's not an intelligent question.

11. Everyone who lives ought to be wise; it is as good as receiving an inheritance

12. and will give you as much security as money can. Wisdom keeps you safe — this is the advantage of knowledge.