Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

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.