Ecclesiastes 7:10–12

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”

For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

Wisdom is good with an inheritance,

an advantage to those who see the sun.

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.

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”

For it is not wise to ask such questions.

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing

and benefits those who see the sun.

Wisdom is a shelter

as money is a shelter,

but the advantage of knowledge is this:

Wisdom preserves those who have it.

Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?”

since it is not wise of you to ask this.

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance

and an advantage to those who see the sun,

because wisdom is protection as silver is protection;

but the advantage of knowledge

is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Don’t long for “the good old days.”

This is not wise.

Wisdom is even better when you have money.

Both are a benefit as you go through life.

Wisdom and money can get you almost anything,

but only wisdom can save your life.

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 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.