17 Do not be overwicked,

and do not be a fool—

why die before your time?

18 It is good to grasp the one

and not let go of the other.

Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.

17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

17 On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? 18 Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.

17 Do not be overly wicked,

Nor be foolish:

Why should you die before your time?

18 It is good that you grasp this,

And also not remove your hand from the other;

For he who fears God will escape them all.

17 Don’t be too wicked,

and don’t be foolish.

Why die before your time?

18 It is good to grab the one and not let go of the other;

those who honor God will hold them both.

17 Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth from them all.

17 Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God cometh forth from them all.

17 Don’t be too wicked, and don’t be a fool. Why should you die before your time is up? 18 It’s good to hold on to the one and not let go of the other, because the one who fears God will be able to avoid both extremes. 

17 Don’t be excessively wicked, and don’t be foolish. Why should you die before your time? 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.

17 Do not be too wicked, and do not be a fool; why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of the one, without letting go of the other; for the one who fears God shall succeed with both.

17 Do not act excessively wicked,

and do not be a fool, lest you die before your time.

18 It is good to take hold of the one and also must not let go of the other;

for whoever fears God will hold both of them secure.

17 Don’t be too sinful.

And don’t be foolish.

Why die before your time comes?

18 It’s good to hold on to both of those things.

Don’t let go of either one.

A man who has respect for God will avoid

going too far in either direction.

17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?

18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.