(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 Student Study Bible, Trutone, Turquoise
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Turquoise
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $26.99
Save: $18.00 (40%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Plum
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Plum
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $20.99
Save: $24.00 (53%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 27-Volume Old Testament  Boxed Set
ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 27-Volume Old Testament Boxed Set
Retail: $199.99
Our Price: $119.99
Save: $80.00 (40%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Gray), Leather, imitation, Grey
ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Gray), Leather, imitation, Grey
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
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling New Testament, hardcover
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling New Testament, hardcover
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $23.49
Save: $11.50 (33%)