Ecclesiastes 7:16-25

16So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself?

17On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time?

18Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.

19One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town!

20Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.

21Don’t eavesdrop on others—you may hear your servant curse you.

22For you know how often you yourself have cursed others.

23I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, “I am determined to be wise.” But it didn’t work.

24Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.

25I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.