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17 Do not be excessively or willfully wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you take hold of one thing (righteousness) and also not let go of the other (wisdom); for the one who fears and worships God [with awe-filled reverence] will come forth with both of them.

19 Wisdom strengthens the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.(A)

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17 Do not be overwicked,
    and do not be a fool—
    why die before your time?(A)
18 It is good to grasp the one
    and not let go of the other.
    Whoever fears God(B) will avoid all extremes.[a]

19 Wisdom(C) makes one wise person more powerful(D)
    than ten rulers in a city.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both