18
Being independently wealthy or working for a living - both can make life pleasant, but it is better to find a treasure.
19
Your name can be preserved if you have children or if you establish a city, but finding Wisdom is a better way. Owning livestock and orchards will make you famous, but it is better to have a wife you love.
20
Wine and music can make you happy, but a happy marriage is even better.
21
Flutes and harps make fine music, but a pleasant voice is better than either.
22
Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as much as new growth in the spring.
Footnotes 1
[a].
[Hebrew] a happy marriage; [Greek] the love of Wisdom.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.