17 Do not act excessively wicked, and do not be a fool, lest you die before your time.
18 It is good to take hold of the one and also must not let go of the other; for whoever fears God will hold both of them secure.
19 Wisdom gives more strength to the wise than ten rulers who are in the city.
20 Surely there is no one righteous on the earth who continually does good and never sins.
21 Do not pay attention to everything people say, lest you hear your own servant curse you.
22 For your heart knows that you also have cursed others many times.
23 All this I have tested with wisdom. I said, “I will be wise!” but it was beyond my grasp.