^15-17 In this silly life I have seen everything, including the fact that some of the good die young and some of the wicked live on and on. So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either—don’t be a fool! Why should you die before your time?

¹⁸ Tackle every task that comes along, and if you fear God, you can expect his blessing.

¹⁹ A wise man is stronger than the mayors of ten big cities!