Ecclesiastes 7:17–19

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.

19 Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful

than ten rulers in a city.

17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

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. 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

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.

19 One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town!

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.

19 Wisdom makes a person stronger

than ten leaders in a city.

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.

19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city.

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. 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men that are in a city.

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. 

19 Wisdom will help a wise person more than ten rulers can help a city.

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.

19 Wisdom makes the wise man stronger

than ten rulers of a city.

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.

19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise more than ten rulers who are in a city.

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.

19 Wisdom gives more strength to the wise

than ten rulers who are in the city.

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.

19 Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful

than ten rulers in a city.

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.

19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.