15 Behold the work of God; for who can make (A)straight that which he hath made crooked?

16 In the day of wealth be of good comfort, and in the day of affliction [a]consider: God also hath made this contrary to that, to the intent that man should find [b]nothing after him.

17 I have seen all things in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his [c]justice, and there is a wicked man that continueth long in his malice.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:16 Consider wherefore God doth send it and what may comfort thee.
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:16 That man should be able to control nothing in his works.
  3. Ecclesiastes 7:17 Meaning, that cruel tyrants put the godly to death and let the wicked go free.

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)

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