Study Desk

I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous person who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked person who prolongs his life in his wickedness.

All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself?

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?

Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

It is good that you grasp one thing while not letting go of the other; for one who fears God comes out with both of them.

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.