Ecclesiastes 7:17
Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish; why shouldest thou die before thy time?
JPS TaNaKH 1917
In The King James Version
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
In Context
16Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise; why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
Cross References
Genesis 38:7And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
Job 15:32It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be leafy.
Psalms 55:23(55-24) But Thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the nethermost pit; men of blood and deceit shall not live out half their days; but as for me, I will trust in Thee.
Jeremiah 2:33How trimmest thou thy way to seek love! Therefore — even the wicked women hast thou taught thy ways;
Ezekiel 16:20Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto Me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Were thy harlotries a small matter,
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 7:12-23
The Advantages of Wisdom. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. 13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? 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.… Read the whole commentary →