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

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

20 It is good that thou lay hold on [c]this: but yet withdraw not thine hand from [d]that: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Boast not too much of thine own justice and wisdom.
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:19 Tarry not long when thou art admonished to come out of the way of wickedness.
  3. Ecclesiastes 7:20 To wit, on these admonitions that go before.
  4. Ecclesiastes 7:20 Consider what desolation and destruction shall come, if thou do not obey them.

18 It is good to grasp the one
    and not let go of the other.
    Whoever fears God(A) will avoid all extremes.[a]

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

20 Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,(D)
    no one who does what is right and never sins.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both