Ecclesiastes 7:6-8

International Standard Version

⁶ For as thorns burn to heat a pot,
    so also is the laughter of the fool—
        even this is pointless.

⁷ Unjust gain makes the wise foolish,
    and a bribe corrupts the heart.
⁸ The conclusion of something is better than its beginning,
    and a patient attitude^[a] is more valuable than a proud one.^[b]