Ecclesiastes 7:16-25

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.

23I have tested all this with wisdom. I said, “I will be wise [independently of God],” but true wisdom was far from me.

24Whatever has been is far off, deeply remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it [for it is beyond the grasp of man]?

25I turned around and directed my heart to know, to investigate and to seek [skillful and godly] wisdom and the reason for things, and to know that wickedness is folly and that foolishness is madness [leading to stupidity and recklessness].