7:8 The end of a matter 1 is better than its beginning;
likewise, patience 2 is better than pride. 3
7:9 Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, 4
for anger resides in the lap 5 of fools.
7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” 6
for it is not wise to ask that. 7
7:11 Wisdom, like 8 an inheritance, is a good thing;
it benefits those who see the light of day. 9
7:12 For wisdom provides 10 protection, 11
just as 12 money provides protection. 13
But the advantage of knowledge is this:
Wisdom preserves the life 14 of its owner.
7:13 Consider the work of God:
For who can make straight what he has bent?
7:14 In times of prosperity 15 be joyful,
but in times of adversity 16 consider this:
God has made one as well as the other, 17
so that no one can discover what the future holds. 18