Ecclesiastes 7:6-8

Easy-to-Read Version

⁶ The laughter of fools is such a waste.
    It is like thorns burning under a pot.
The thorns burn so quickly
    that the pot does not get hot.^[a]
7 Even the wise will forget their wisdom,
    if someone pays them enough.
    That money destroys their understanding.
⁸ It is better to finish something
    than to start it.
It is better to be gentle and patient
    than to be proud and impatient.