NET Bible
"So do not be excessively righteous or excessively wise; otherwise you might be disappointed."
— Ecclesiastes 7:16, NET Bible
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”
“Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? ”
“Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?”
“These things also I saw in the days of my vanity: A just man perisheth in his justice, and a wicked man liveth a long time in his wickedness.”
“Be not given overmuch to righteousness and be not over-wise. Why let destruction come on you?”
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”
Wisdom Acknowledges God’s Orchestration of Life Consider the work of God: For who can make straight what he has bent?
In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.
Exceptions to the Law of Retribution During the days of my fleeting life I have seen both of these things: Sometimes a righteous person dies prematurely in spite of his righteousness, and sometimes a wicked person lives long in spite of his evil deeds.
So do not be excessively righteous or excessively wise; otherwise you might be disappointed.
Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool; otherwise you might die before your time.
It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning; for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.
Wisdom Needed Because No One is Truly Righteous Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city.