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Lessons from Mourning

Better is a good reputation than precious oil
and the day of death than the day of birth.
Better to go to a house of mourning
    than to go to the house of feasting,
since that is the end of all mankind
—and the living should take it to heart.
Grief is better than laughter,
    for though the face is sad, the heart may be glad.

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Wisdom

A good name is better than fine perfume,(A)
    and the day of death better than the day of birth.(B)
It is better to go to a house of mourning
    than to go to a house of feasting,
for death(C) is the destiny(D) of everyone;
    the living should take this to heart.
Frustration is better than laughter,(E)
    because a sad face is good for the heart.

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