New Living Translation (NLT)
Ecclesiastes 7
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.
7 Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart.
8 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
9 Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.
10 Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise.
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.
We pray that this ministry will be a blessing to you and your family.
