Berean Standard Bible

Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

11Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.12For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

13Consider the work of God:Who can straighten what He has bent?14In the day of prosperity, be joyful,but in the day of adversity, consider this:God has made one of these along with the other,so that a man cannot discoveranything that will come after him.

15In my futile life I have seen both of these:

A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.

16Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.1

19Wisdom makes the wise manstronger than ten rulers in a city.20Surely there is no righteous man on earthwho does good and never sins.

21Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you. 22For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 7

Notes

1. Ecclesiastes 7:18 Or will avoid all extremes ↩

Notes

Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7