14 There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve.(A) This too, I say, is meaningless.(B) 15 So I commend the enjoyment of life(C), because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink(D) and be glad.(E) Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

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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

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