Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
Christian Standard Bible
Avoiding Extremes
15 In my futile life[a] I have seen everything:(A) someone righteous perishes in spite of his righteousness,(B) and someone wicked lives long in spite of his evil.(C) 16 Don’t be excessively righteous, and don’t be overly wise.(D) Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Don’t be excessively wicked, and don’t be foolish. Why should you die before your time?(E) 18 It is good that you grasp the one and do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them.
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- 7:15 Lit days
Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
International Standard Version
15 I have seen it all[a] during my pointless life:
both a righteous person who dies
while he is righteous,
and a wicked person who lives to an old age,
while remaining wicked.[b]
Practical Wisdom
16 Do not be overly righteous,
nor be overly wise.
Why be self-destructive?
17 Do not excel at wickedness,
nor be a fool.
Why die before your time?
18 It is good for you to grab hold of this and not let go,
because whoever fears God will escape
all of these extremes.[c]
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 7:15 Lit. seen in pointlessness
- Ecclesiastes 7:15 Lit. lives long in his evil
- Ecclesiastes 7:18 The Heb. lacks extremes
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