(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 Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather
Retail: $114.99
Our Price: $54.99
Save: $60.00 (52%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
Retail: $124.99
Our Price: $64.99
Save: $60.00 (48%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Thinline Bible--full grain leather, dark brown
ESV Thinline Bible--full grain leather, dark brown
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $51.99
Save: $28.00 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Large Print , Hardcover
ESV Study Bible, Large Print , Hardcover
Retail: $74.99
Our Price: $44.99
Save: $30.00 (40%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars