Ecclesiastes 7:16-22

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁶ Do not be too righteous, and do not act too wise; why should you destroy yourself?^{(A) 17} Do not be too wicked, and do not be a fool; why should you die before your time? ¹⁸ It is good that you should take hold of the one without letting go of the other, for the one who fears God shall succeed with both.

¹⁹ Wisdom gives strength to the wise more than ten rulers who are in a city.^(B)

²⁰ Surely there is no one on earth so righteous as to do good without ever sinning.^(C)

²¹ Do not give heed to everything that people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you; ²² your heart knows that many times you have yourself cursed others.