AVOIDING EXTREMES

15 In my futile lifeA I have seen everything:k someone righteous perishes in spite of his righteousness,l and someone wicked lives long in spite of his evil.m 16 Don’t be excessively righteous, and don’t be overly wise.n Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Don’t be excessively wicked, and don’t be foolish. Why should you die before your time?o 18 It is good that you grasp the one and do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them.