New Living Translation (NLT)
Ecclesiastes 7
26 I discovered that a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Her passion is a snare, and her soft hands are chains. Those who are pleasing to God will escape her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.
27 “This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle.
28 Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman!
29 But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.”
Ecclesiastes 8
1 How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.
2 Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would.
3 Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.
4 His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.
5 Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right,
6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.
7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?
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