16 Be not overly righteous, and do not (A)make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. (B)Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of (C)this, and from (D)that (E)withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

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16 Do not be overrighteous,
    neither be overwise—
    why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overwicked,
    and do not be a fool—
    why die before your time?(A)
18 It is good to grasp the one
    and not let go of the other.
    Whoever fears God(B) will avoid all extremes.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both