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.
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.
19. Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city.
20. For there is not one truly righteous person on the earthwho continually does good and never sins.