Ecclesiastes 7:4

7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking. ¹ 

Ecclesiastes 9:17

Wisdom versus Fools, Sin, and Folly

9:17 The words of the wise are heard in quiet,

more than the shouting of a ruler is heard ²  among fools.

Ecclesiastes 12:11

12:11 The words of the sages are like prods, ³ 

and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails;

they are given by one shepherd.

[7:4]  ¹ sn The expression the house of merrymaking refers to a banquet where those who attend engage in self-indulgent feasting and riotous drinking.

[9:17]  ² tn The phrase “is heard” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity and smoothness. Note its appearance in the previous line.

[12:11]  ³ tn Or “goads”; NCV “sharp sticks used to guide animals.” For further information see M. A. Fishbane, Biblical Interpretation, 29–32.