Ecclesiastes 7:3-9

New Living Translation

⁵ Better to be criticized by a wise person
    than to be praised by a fool.
⁶ A fool’s laughter is quickly gone,
    like thorns crackling in a fire.
    This also is meaningless.

⁷ Extortion turns wise people into fools,
    and bribes corrupt the heart.

⁸ Finishing is better than starting.
    Patience is better than pride.

⁹ Control your temper,
    for anger labels you a fool.