Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

11Wisdom along with an inheritance is good And an [excellent] advantage for those who see the sun.

12For wisdom is a protection even as money is a protection, But the [excellent] advantage of knowledge is that wisdom shields and preserves the lives of its possessors.

13Consider the work of God: Who can make straight what He has bent?

14In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one as well as the other, So that man will not find out anything that will be after him.

15I have seen everything during my [fleeting] days of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in [spite of] his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives a long life in [spite of] his wickedness.

16Do not be excessively righteous [like those given to self-conceit], and do not be overly wise (pretentious)—why should you bring yourself to ruin?

17Do not be excessively or willfully wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?

18It is good that you take hold of one thing (righteousness) and also not let go of the other (wisdom); for the one who fears and worships God [with awe-filled reverence] will come forth with both of them.

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

20Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and who never sins.

21Also, do not take seriously everything that is said, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you,

22for you also know that you too have cursed others many times.