King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
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 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.
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 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
16
Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise— why destroy yourself?
17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
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Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool— why die before your time?
18 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.
18
It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.
19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
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Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
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Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.
21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
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Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—
22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
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for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
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All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”— but this was beyond me.
24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
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Whatever exists is far off and most profound— who can discover it?
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.