Ecclesiastes 7:6-12

New International Version

⁷ Extortion turns a wise person into a fool,
    and a bribe^(C) corrupts the heart.

⁸ The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
    and patience^(D) is better than pride.
⁹ Do not be quickly provoked^(E) in your spirit,
    for anger resides in the lap of fools.^(F)

¹⁰ Do not say, “Why were the old days^(G) better than these?”
    For it is not wise to ask such questions.

¹¹ Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing^(H)
    and benefits those who see the sun.^(I)
12 Wisdom is a shelter
    as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
    Wisdom preserves those who have it.