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Ecclesiastes 7:8-9,12-14 - Compare All Versions

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV (New International Version)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 NIV (New International Version)

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)

For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NLT (New Living Translation)

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 NLT (New Living Translation)

Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.  Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

because wisdom is protection as silver is protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.  Consider the work of God,  for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?  In the day of prosperity be joyful,  but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other,  so that no one can discover anything that will come after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 KJV (King James Version)

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 KJV (King James Version)

For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NKJV (New King James Version)

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 NKJV (New King James Version)

For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 MSG (The Message)

Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out. Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12-14 MSG (The Message)

Wisdom is better when it’s paired with money, Especially if you get both while you’re still living. Double protection: wisdom and wealth! Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner. Take a good look at God’s work. Who could simplify and reduce Creation’s curves and angles To a plain straight line? On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won’t take anything for granted.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NASB2020 (New American Standard Bible - NASB)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than arrogance of spirit. Do not be eager in your spirit to be angry, For anger resides in the heart of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 NASB2020 (New American Standard Bible - NASB)

For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom keeps its possessors alive. Consider the work of God, For who is able to straighten what He has bent? On the day of prosperity be happy, But on the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other So that a person will not discover anything that will come after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 AMP (Amplified Bible)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit (pride). Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger dwells in the heart of fools. [James 1:19, 20]

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 AMP (Amplified Bible)

For wisdom is a protection even as money is a protection, But the [excellent] advantage of knowledge is that wisdom shields and preserves the lives of its possessors. Consider the work of God: Who can make straight what He has bent? In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one as well as the other, So that man will not find out anything that will be after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NET (New English Translation)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride. Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-14 NET (New English Translation)

For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner. Consider the work of God: For who can make straight what he has bent? In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.