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.
15. During the days of my fleeting life I have seen both of these things:Sometimes a righteous person dies prematurely in spite of his righteousness,and sometimes a wicked person lives long in spite of his evil deeds.
16. So do not be excessively righteous or excessively wise;otherwise you might be disappointed.
17. Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool;otherwise you might die before your time.
18. It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning;for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.