¹⁸ Because in much wisdom is much grief, and increase of knowledge is increase of sorrow.

¹² And further, my son, take note of this: of the making of books there is no end, and much learning is a weariness to the flesh.

¹³ This is the last word. All has been said. Have fear of God and keep his laws; because this is right for every man.

¹⁸ Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise.

¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolish before God. As it is said in the holy Writings, He who takes the wise in their secret designs:

²⁰ And again, The Lord has knowledge of the reasonings of the wise, that they are nothing.

²⁸ And he said to man, Truly the fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to keep from evil is the way to knowledge.

¹⁵ Then said I in my heart: As it comes to the foolish man, so will it come to me; so why have I been wise overmuch? Then I said in my heart: This again is to no purpose.

²³ All his days are sorrow, and his work is full of grief. Even in the night his heart has no rest. This again is to no purpose.

¹⁶ Be not given overmuch to righteousness and be not over-wise. Why let destruction come on you?

¹³ Who has wisdom and good sense among you? let him make his works clear by a life of gentle wisdom.

¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy in your heart and the desire to get the better of others, have no pride in this, talking falsely against what is true.

¹⁵ This wisdom is not from heaven, but is of the earth and the flesh and the Evil One.

¹⁶ For where envy is, and the desire to get the better of others, there is no order, but every sort of evil-doing.

¹⁷ But the wisdom which is from heaven is first holy, then gentle, readily giving way in argument, full of peace and mercy and good works, not doubting, not seeming other than it is.