1. A good reputation is better than precious perfume;likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.
2. It is better to go to a funeralthan a feast.For death is the destiny of every person,and the living should take this to heart.
3. Sorrow is better than laughter,because sober reflection is good for the heart.
4. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.
5. It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wisethan to listen to the song of fools.
6. For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot,so is the laughter of the fool.This kind of folly also is useless.
7. Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool;likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.
8. The end of a matter is better than its beginning;likewise, patience is better than pride.
9. Do not let yourself be quickly provoked,for anger resides in the lap of fools.
10. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?”for it is not wise to ask that.
11. Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing;it benefits those who see the light of day.
12. For wisdom provides protection,just as money provides protection.But the advantage of knowledge is this:Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.
13. Consider the work of God:For who can make straight what he has bent?
14. In times of prosperity be joyful,but in times of adversity consider this:God has made one as well as the other,so that no one can discover what the future holds.