Human Wisdom Overturned by Adversity

7:7 Surely oppression26 can turn a wise person into a fool;27

likewise,28 a bribe corrupts29 the heart.30

7:8 The end of a matter31 is better than its beginning;

likewise, patience32 is better than pride.33

7:9 Do not let yourself be quickly provoked,34

for anger resides in the lap35 of fools.

7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?”36

for it is not wise to ask that.37