Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then said I in my heart, that this also is vanity.

Permit not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin; neither say before the angel, that it was an error: why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

And why? Whereas are many dreams and many words, there are also divers vanities: but look that thou fear God.

Say not, Why were the days which have gone by better than these? Such a question comes not from wisdom.

Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

And why? A man knoweth not what is for to come: for who will tell him?

And why? As long as a man liveth, he is careless: for a quick dog, say they, is better than a dead lion.