I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.

So I admired the dead, who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive.

What is more, he eats in darkness all his days, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.

Though a stillborn child does not see the sun and is not conscious, it has more rest than he.

And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a trap, her heart a net, and her hands chains. The one who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

The calm words of the wise are heeded
more than the shouts of a ruler over fools.

If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge,
then one must exert more strength;
however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.