8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and profitable to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the [g]excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
13 Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
Verse 8 — We cannot know if an undertaking will be profitable until it has been completed (Proverbs 16:25).
proud in spirit (v.8) — those who brag about accomplishments before they are completed
Wisdom shields from the ills of life; and money also shields. from such ills (v.12). But money can be lost, wisdom never. Money shields in prosperity, and for a time; wisdom, in adversity and forever. — Williams, page 444.
work (v.13) — God’s provision for us, not His creation
consider (v.14) — Consider this—God brings both adversity and prosperity (Job 2:10; Isaiah 45:7). We cannot change what has been decreed by God and are to accept both from His hand (Philippians 4:11). — Grace, page 1176.
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