15 In my futile life I have seen both of these: A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness. 16 Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.
Ecclesiastes 7:15–18
Semantically similar passages
Wisdom of Solomon 1:11–13
11 Beware then of unprofitable murmuring, and keep your tongue from slander; because no secret utterance will go on its way void, and a lying mouth destroys a soul. (WEB) 12 Don’t court death in the error of your life. Don’t draw destruction upon yourselves by the works o… (WEB)
Job 36:20–22
20 Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes. 21 Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction. 22 Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?
Proverbs 23:3–5
3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. 4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. 5 When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.
Ecclesiastes 8:11–13
11 When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His pr…
Proverbs 19:15–17
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die. 17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Proverbs 11:18–20
18 The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. 19 Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death. 20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delig…
Proverbs 3:6–8
6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
Ecclesiastes 8:2–4
2 Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. 3 Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. 4 For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
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