Trapped in Your Own Feelings
- A foolish woman tears down her own house in the end, but a wise woman builds it.
- Fools hate God, and end up beating themselves with their own foolish words.
- Also, out of nowhere the author mentions that you can't harvest grain without some oxen.
- The author also reminds us that faithful witnesses tell the truth and false witnesses tell lies (like… yeah, that's kind of the definition of a "faithful witness" and a "false witness").
- Fools can never get on the right track; they mock offerings, can't figure out where they're headed, and mislead others. The wise are the opposite.
- In another out-of-nowhere statement, the author notes that only each individual's heart feels its own sorrow and pain: our basic emotions and experiences are private to ourselves.
Make Friends—and Money
- More darkly, joy (often) ends up in grief, and ways that initially seem right turn out to lead to ruin.
- Everyone, good and bad, are repaid according to their deeds.
- The simple and foolish believe anything and fail to act with caution, and schemers and quick-tempered people end up going wrong.
- The poor are disliked, but if you're rich it's easier to make friends (even if they're false friends).
- You should be kind to the poor, and work instead of talking too much.
- Telling the truth helps save lives, and the fear of God gives both confidence and life.
- Princes and kings are nothing without the multitude of people upholding and supporting them, and righteousness benefits the whole nation.
- Having a tranquil mind and not getting angry easily are helpful traits.
- Also, being wise helps you get in good with the king.