Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

New International Reader's Version

7 A good name is better than fine perfume.
    People can learn more from mourning when someone dies
    than from being happy when someone is born.
² So it’s better to go where people are mourning
    than to go where people are having a good time.
Everyone will die someday.
    Those who are still living
    should really think about that.
³ Not being able to figure things out is better than laughter.
    That’s because sorrow is good for the heart.
⁴ Those who are wise are found where there is sorrow.
    But foolish people are found where there is pleasure.
⁵ Pay attention to a wise person’s warning.
    That’s better than listening to the songs of those who are foolish.
⁶ A foolish person’s laughter
    is like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot.
    That doesn’t have any meaning either.