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15 I have seen everything during my (A)days of vanity; there is (B)a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is (C)a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Do not be excessively (D)righteous, and do not (E)be overly wise. Why should you make yourself desolate? 17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a simpleminded fool. Why should you (F)die before your time? 18 It is good that you seize one thing and also not [a]let go of the other; for the one who (G)fears God comes forth with [b]both of them.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Lit rest your hand
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Lit all

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]

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both