Ecclesiastes 7:8

"Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding."

Key Reflection

Ecclesiastes 7:8 teaches that engaging in corrupt practices like extortion not only diminishes wisdom but also impairs one's judgment, turning even the wise into fools. Similarly, accepting bribes erodes understanding, illustrating how material gain at any cost can lead to moral and intellectual decline.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Better -Inasmuch as something certain is attained, man contemplates the end throughout an entire course of action, and does not rest upon the beginning. Patient ... proud -literally, “Long,” long-suffering ...“high,” in the sense of impatient.

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