Ecclesiastes 7:13-18

13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.
15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness.
16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise— why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool— why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.[a]

Cross References 7

  • 1. Ecclesiastes 2:24
  • 2. Ecclesiastes 1:15
  • 3. S Job 1:21; S Ecclesiastes 2:24
  • 4. S Job 7:7
  • 5. S Job 21:7; Ecclesiastes 8:12-14; Jeremiah 12:1
  • 6. Job 15:32; Psalms 55:23
  • 7. S Ecclesiastes 3:14

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "will follow them both"
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