Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
English Standard Version
15 In my (A)vain[a] life I have seen everything. There is (B)a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who (C)prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Be not overly righteous, and do not (D)make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. (E)Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of (F)this, and from (G)that (H)withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ecclesiastes 7:15 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)
Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
New International Version
15 In this meaningless life(A) of mine I have seen both of these:
the righteous perishing in their righteousness,
and the wicked living long in their wickedness.(B)
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?(C)
18 It is good to grasp the one
and not let go of the other.
Whoever fears God(D) will avoid all extremes.[a]
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both
Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
King James Version
15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
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