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

18 Be not thou just [b]overmuch, neither make thyself overwise: wherefore shouldest thou be desolate?

19 Be not thou wicked [c]overmuch, neither be thou foolish: wherefore shouldest thou perish not in thy time?

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:17 Meaning, that cruel tyrants put the godly to death and let the wicked go free.
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Boast not too much of thine own justice and wisdom.
  3. Ecclesiastes 7:19 Tarry not long when thou art admonished to come out of the way of wickedness.

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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both