Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and even better for those who see the sun.

12For wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: wisdom preserves the life of the one who possesses it.

13Consider the work of God, for who can straighten what He has bent?

14In a time of prosperity, prosper! But in a time of adversity, consider: God has made one as well as the other. Therefore man cannot discover anything about his future.

15During my fleeting days I have seen both of these things: sometimes a righteous one perishes in his righteousness and sometimes a wicked one lives long in his wickedness.

16Do not be overly righteous nor overly wise— why confound yourself?

17Do not be overly wicked and do not be a fool— why die before your time?

18It is good to grasp the one and not withdraw your hand from the other. For the one who fears God will escape both extremes.

19Wisdom makes a wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.

20Surely there is not a righteous person on earth who does what is good and doesn’t sin.

21Also, do not pay attention to every word people say, otherwise you might hear your servant mocking you—

22for your heart knows that many times you too have mocked others.