(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 Spiral-Bound Journaling New Testament, hardcover
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling New Testament, hardcover
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $17.05
Save: $17.94 (51%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Thinline Bible, Genuine Leather, Black
ESV Thinline Bible, Genuine Leather, Black
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $29.35
Save: $30.64 (51%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
Retail: $199.60
Our Price: $91.60
Save: $108.00 (54%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.29
Save: $5.70 (57%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Action Study Bible--soft leather-look, blue
ESV Action Study Bible--soft leather-look, blue
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $22.99
Save: $22.00 (49%)
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, black
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $38.86
Save: $41.13 (51%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars