Ecclesiastes 7:7-10

New International Version

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

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

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