Ecclesiastes 7 (NET) 7:7 Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool; Likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart. 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride. 7:9 Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools. 7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” for it is not wise to ask that.

Ecclesiastes 7 “extortion” (ASV, MLB, NIV) “oppression” (KJV, NAB, NASB, RSV, NRSV, YLT, Douay, Moffatt)

Ecclesiastes 7 Oppression the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.

Biblical Definition of fool Fools are immoral (2 Samuel 13:11-18; Job 30:8; Psalms 53:1; Psalms 74:18; Proverbs 10:18; Proverbs 14:9; Mark 7:18-23) Fools are prideful (Psalms 49:6-11; Psalms 73:3-13; Proverbs 14:3; Proverbs 30:32; Romans 1:19-23; 2 Corinthians 11:17) Fools run their mouths with nonsense (Ecclesiastes 5:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Ecclesiastes 10:12-14; Matthew 5:22)

Biblical Definition of fool Fools reject God and what God’s Word teaches (1 Samuel 13:13; Job 2:7-10; Psalms 14:1; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 10:8; Proverbs 12:15; Matthew 7:26; Luke 24:25; 1 Corinthians 1:18-27)

The beginning of a matter is Satan’s word The end of a matter is God’s word

Amy & the start of Church of the Free

A plumber who doesn’t show

Orlando to the rescue – God’s answer

It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein

Patience is being joyful, hopeful and prayerful while waiting Patience is being joyful, hopeful and prayerful while waiting. ~Alberto P. Casing

An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains. ~Dutch Proverb

The key to everything is patience The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg - not by smashing it. ~Arnold Glasow