¹² My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making ^(A)many books there is no end, and ^(B)much study is a weariness of the flesh.

¹³ The end of the matter; all has been heard. ^(C)Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.^[a]

^18 (A)Let no one deceive himself. ^(B)If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. ¹⁹ For ^(C)the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ^(D)“He catches the wise in their craftiness,” ²⁰ and again, ^(E)“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

Wisdom from Above

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? ^(A)By his good conduct let him show his works ^(B)in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter ^(C)jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵ This is not ^(D)the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, ^(E)demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. ¹⁷ But ^(F)the wisdom from above is first pure, then ^(G)peaceable, gentle, open to reason, ^(H)full of mercy and good fruits, ^(I)impartial and ^(J)sincere.

¹⁶ Be not overly righteous, and do not ^(A)make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

²³ For ^(A)all his days are full of sorrow, and his ^(B)work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.

¹⁵ Then I said in my heart, ^(A)“What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity.