17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool;otherwise you might die before your time.
18 It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning;for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.
19 Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city.
20 For there is not one truly righteous person on the earthwho continually does good and never sins.
21 Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say;otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.
22 For you know in your own heart that you also have cursed others many times.
23 I have examined all this by wisdom;I said, “I am determined to comprehend this” – but it was beyond my grasp.