(A)For as the crackling of (B)thorns under a pot,
    so is the laughter of the fools;
    this also is vanity.[a]
Surely (C)oppression drives the wise into madness,
    and (D)a bribe corrupts the heart.
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
    and (E)the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:6 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print (Summer Garden)
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print (Summer Garden)
Retail: $54.99
Our Price: $35.99
Save: $19.00 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $16.99
Save: $28.00 (62%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $16.99
Save: $28.00 (62%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Thinline Bible, Bonded leather, Black
ESV Thinline Bible, Bonded leather, Black
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $28.99
Save: $16.00 (36%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Fire Bible ESV Version, Imitation Leather, Tan/Berry
Fire Bible ESV Version, Imitation Leather, Tan/Berry
Retail: $79.95
Our Price: $56.49
Save: $23.46 (29%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars