(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 My Creative Bible--imitation leather, teal
ESV My Creative Bible--imitation leather, teal
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $25.84
Save: $19.15 (43%)
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $7.49
Save: $5.50 (42%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Turquoise
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Turquoise
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $19.29
Save: $25.70 (57%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print Softcover
Retail: $11.99
Our Price: $5.83
Save: $6.16 (51%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
John, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
John, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $3.07
Save: $3.92 (56%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars