Ecclesiastes 7:15-22

New International Version

the righteous perishing in their righteousness,
    and the wicked living long in their wickedness.^(B)
16 Do not be overrighteous,
    neither be overwise—
    why destroy yourself?
¹⁷ Do not be overwicked,
    and do not be a fool—
    why die before your time?^(C)
18 It is good to grasp the one
    and not let go of the other.
    Whoever fears God^(D) will avoid all extremes.^[a]

¹⁹ Wisdom^(E) makes one wise person more powerful^(F)
    than ten rulers in a city.

²⁰ Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,^(G)
    no one who does what is right and never sins.^(H)

²¹ Do not pay attention to every word people say,
    or you^(I) may hear your servant cursing you—
²² for you know in your heart
    that many times you yourself have cursed others.