NET Bible
"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."
— Ecclesiastes 7:18, NET Bible
“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.”
“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. ”
“It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all.”
“Be not overmuch wicked: and be not foolish, lest thou die before thy time.”
“It is good to take this in your hand and not to keep your hand from that; he who has the fear of God will be free of the two.”
“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.”
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.
For there is not one truly righteous person on the earth who continually does good and never sins.
Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say; otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.