Exceptions to the Law of Retribution

7:15 During the days of my fleeting life49 I have seen both50 of these things:

Sometimes51 a righteous person dies prematurely52 in spite of53 his righteousness,

and sometimes54 a wicked person lives long55 in spite of his evil deeds.

7:16 So do not be excessively righteous or excessively56 wise;57

otherwise58 you might59 be disappointed.60

7:17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool;

otherwise61 you might die before your time.

7:18 It is best to take hold of one warning62 without letting go of the other warning;63

for the one who fears God will follow64 both warnings.65