8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one. 9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. 10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
Ecclesiastes 7:8–10
Semantically similar passages
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.
Psalms 37:7–9
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. 9 For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope…
2 Esdras 6:33–35
33 Therefore he has sent me to show you all these things, and to say to you, ‘Believe, and don’t be afraid! (WEB) 34 Don’t be hasty to think vain things about the former times, that you may not hasten in the latter times.’” (WEB) 35 It came to pass after this, that I wept again, an… (WEB)
Proverbs 16:31–33
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from…
Sirach 5:3–5
3 Don’t say, “Who will have dominion over me?” for the Lord will surely take vengeance on you. (WEB) 4 Don’t say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?” for the Lord is patient. (WEB) 5 Don’t be so confident of atonement that you add sin upon sins. (WEB)
Proverbs 24:18–20
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him. 19 Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. 20 For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
Ecclesiastes 10:3–5
3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. 5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an er…
Proverbs 15:17–19
17 Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. 19 The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
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