12
some of them he blessed and exalted, and some of them he made holy and brought near to himself; but some of them he cursed and brought low, and he turned them out of their place.
13
As clay in the hand of the potter -- for all his ways are as he pleases -- so men are in the hand of him who made them, to give them as he decides.
14
Good is the opposite of evil, and life the opposite of death; so the sinner is the opposite of the godly.
15
Look upon all the works of the Most High; they likewise are in pairs, one the opposite of the other.
16
I was the last on watch; I was like one who gleans after the grape-gatherers; by the blessing of the Lord I excelled, and like a grape-gatherer I filled my wine press.
17
Consider that I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.
18
Hear me, you who are great among the people, and you leaders of the congregation, hearken.
19
To son or wife, to brother or friend, do not give power over yourself, as long as you live; and do not give your property to another, lest you change your mind and must ask for it.
20
While you are still alive and have breath in you, do not let any one take your place.
21
For it is better that your children should ask from you than that you should look to the hand of you sons.
22
Excel in all that you do; bring no stain upon your honor.