Ecclesiastes 7:1-6; Ecclesiastes 7:11-12; Ecclesiastes 7:19

Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

1 A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.

2 Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.

4 A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.

5 Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.

6 A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

11 Wisdom is even better when you have money. Both are a benefit as you go through life.

12 Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life.

Ecclesiastes 7:19

19 One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town!