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^(A) will avoid all extremes.^[a]

The race is not to the swift
    or the battle to the strong,^(A)
nor does food come to the wise^(B)
    or wealth to the brilliant
    or favor to the learned;
but time and chance^(C) happen to them all.^(D)

As fish are caught in a cruel net,
    or birds are taken in a snare,
so people are trapped by evil times^(A)
    that fall unexpectedly upon them.^(B)

⁶ Sow your seed in the morning,
    and at evening let your hands not be idle,^(A)
for you do not know which will succeed,
    whether this or that,
    or whether both will do equally well.

¹³ Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God^(A) and keep his commandments,^(B)
    for this is the duty of all mankind.^(C)