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

The Riddles of Life

15 In my vain life I have seen everything; there are righteous people who perish in their righteousness, and there are wicked people who prolong their life in their evildoing.(A) 16 Do not be too righteous, and do not act too wise; why should you destroy yourself?(B) 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.

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