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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.

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16 Do not be overrighteous,
    neither be overwise—
    why destroy yourself?
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]

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will follow them both