14 Better is a poor man who is healthy and fit,

than a rich man who is afflicted in his body.

15 Health and fitness are better than all gold,

and a strong body better than wealth without measure.

16 There is no wealth better than health of body.

There is no gladness above the joy of the heart.

17 Death is better than a bitter life,

and eternal rest than a continual sickness.

18 Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed

are like food offerings laid upon a grave.

19 What does an offering profit an idol?

Because it can’t eat or smell.

So is he who is punished by the master,

20 seeing with his eyes and groaning,

like a eunuch embracing a virgin and groaning.

21 Don’t give your soul to sorrow.

Don’t afflict yourself deliberately.

22 Gladness of heart is the life of a man.

Cheerfulness of a man lengthens his days.

23 Love your own soul, and comfort your heart.

Remove sorrow far from you,

for sorrow has destroyed many,

and there is no profit in it.

24 Envy and wrath shorten life.

Anxiety brings old age before its time.

25 Those who are cheerful and merry

will benefit from their food.