Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

11Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing; it benefits those who see the light of day.

12For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

13Consider the work of God: For who can make straight what he has bent?

14In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.

15During 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.

16So do not be excessively righteous or excessively wise; otherwise you might be disappointed.

17Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool; otherwise you might die before your time.

18It 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.

19Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city.

20For there is not one truly righteous person on the earth who continually does good and never sins.

21Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say; otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.

22For you know in your own heart that you also have cursed others many times.