6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. 7 Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. 8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
Ecclesiastes 7:6–8
Semantically similar passages
Ecclesiastes 10:13–15
13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15 The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
1 Corinthians 3:19–21
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 20 And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 21 Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,
Ecclesiastes 10:1–2
1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.
Proverbs 29:19–21
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
Proverbs 14:28–30
28 A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin. 29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. 30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Ecclesiastes 7:12–14
12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. 13 Consider the work of God: Who can straighten what He has bent? 14 In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this:…
Ecclesiastes 9:17–18
17 The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Proverbs 10:22–24
22 The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
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