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15 I have seen everything during my [fleeting] days of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in [spite of] his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who [a]lives a long life in [spite of] his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively righteous [like those given to self-conceit], and do not be overly wise (pretentious)—why should you bring yourself to ruin? 17 Do not be excessively or willfully wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you take hold of one thing (righteousness) and also not let go of the other (wisdom); for the one who fears and worships God [with awe-filled reverence] will come forth with both of them.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:15 Lit prolongs.

15 I have seen everything during my [a](A)lifetime of futility; there is (B)a righteous person who perishes in his righteousness, and there is (C)a wicked person who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively (D)righteous, and do not (E)be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be foolish. Why should you (F)die [b]before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp one thing while not [c]letting go of the other; for one who (G)fears God comes out with [d]both of them.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:15 Lit days
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:17 Lit when not your time
  3. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Lit resting your hand
  4. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Lit all of them