7 Wrong-doing maketh the wise man mad, As a bribe corrupteth the heart.
8 The end of a reproof is better than its beginning, And patience is better than pride;
9 Therefore hurry not on thy spirit to be angry: For anger is nursed in the bosom of fools.
10 Say not, "How is it that former days were better than these?" For that is not the part of wisdom.
11 Wisdom is as good as wealth, And hath an advantage over it for those who lead an active life:
VER. 11. _Those who lead an active life._ Literally, "those who see the sun," _i.e._ those who are much in the sun, who lead a busy active life, are much occupied with traffic or public affairs.
12 For wisdom is a shelter, And wealth is a shelter; But the advantage of wisdom is That it fortifieth the heart of them that have it.
VER. 12. _Fortifieth the heart; i.e._ quickens life, a new life, a life which keeps the heart tranquil and serene under all chances and changes.
13 Consider moreover the work of God, Since no man can straighten that which He hath made crooked.
14 In the day of prosperity be thou content; And in the day of adversity Consider that God hath made this as well as that, In order that man should not be able to foresee that which is to come.
VER. 14.: _In the day of prosperity_, etc. Literally, "in the day of good be in good." It may be rendered "in the good day be of good cheer." _This as well as that; i.e._ adversity as well as prosperity. God sends both in order that, not foreseeing what will come to pass, we may live in a constant and humble dependence on Him.
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[Sidenote: _The Perils to which it exposes him._ (1) _He is likely to compromise Conscience_: Ch. vii., vv. 15-20.]
15 In my fleeting days I have seen Both the righteous die in his righteousness, And the wicked live long in his wickedness:
16 Be not too righteous therefore, Nor make thyself too wise lest thou be abandoned;
17 Be not very wicked, nor yet very foolish, Lest thou die before thy time:
18 It is better that thou shouldest lay hold of this And also not let go of that; For whoso feareth God will take hold on both.
VER. 18. _This ... and that._ _This__ refers to the folly and wickedness of ver. 17, and _that_ to the wisdom and righteousness of ver. 16. _Take hold on both._ Literally, "go along with both."
19 This wisdom alone is greater strength to the wise Than an army to a beleaguered city;
VER. 19. _This wisdom_: viz. the moderate common-sense view of life which has just been described. _Than an army_, etc. Literally, "Than _ten_ (_i.e._ many) mighty men in a city."
20 For there is not a righteous man on earth Who doeth good and sinneth not.
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[Sidenote: (2) _To be indifferent to Censure_: Ch. vii., vv. 21, 22.]
21 Moreover seek not to know all that is said of thee, Lest thou hear thy servant speak evil of thee;
VER. 21. _Seek not to know_, etc. Literally, "Give not thy _heart_ (even if thy ears) to all words that are uttered."
22 For thou knowest in thine heart That thou also hast many times spoken evil of others.
23 All this wisdom have I tried; I desired a higher wisdom, but it was far from me;
24 That which was far off remaineth far off, And deep remaineth deep: Who can find it out?
[Sidenote: (3) _To despise Women_; Ch. vii., vv. 25-29.]
25 Then I and my heart turned to know this wisdom And diligently examine it-- To discover the cause of wickedness, vice, And that folly which is madness: