Ecclesiastes 7:10-21

Don’t ask, “Why was life better in the ‘good old days’?” It is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom is better when it comes with money. They both help those who are alive. Wisdom is like money: they both help. But wisdom is better, because it can save whoever has it. Look at what God has done: No one can straighten what he has bent. When life is good, enjoy it. But when life is hard, remember: God gives good times and hard times, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring. In my useless life I have seen both of these: I have seen good people die in spite of their goodness and evil people live a long time in spite of their evil. Don’t be too right, and don’t be too wise. Why destroy yourself? Don’t be too wicked, and don’t be foolish. Why die before your time? It is good to grab the one and not let go of the other; those who honor God will hold them both. Wisdom makes a person stronger than ten leaders in a city. Surely there is not a good person on earth who always does good and never sins. Don’t listen to everything people say, or you might hear your servant insulting you.