The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Ecclesiastes - Various 

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Day 149 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus is on the value of wisdom (wisdom comes from sorrow, danger of extremism, few choose wisdom, and enriching nature of wisdom).

Highlights from my reading this morning:

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say. Ecclesiastes 10:20

It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5

Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? Ecclesiastes 7:16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me by transforming my heart, mind and life.  Thank You Jesus for helping me see and heed the wisdom from Your Word.  I know there is much work to do but I am grateful for what You have done so far.  Please forgive me Jesus for my sin - I am easily distracted by the world and by own comfort.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.