17 Do not be overly wicked and do not be a fool— why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not withdraw your hand from the other. For the one who fears God will escape both extremes.
19 Wisdom makes a wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
20 Surely there is not a righteous person on earth who does what is good and doesn’t sin.
21 Also, do not pay attention to every word people say, otherwise you might hear your servant mocking you—
22 for your heart knows that many times you too have mocked others.
23 All this I have tested with wisdom and I said, “I determined to be wise”—but it was far from me.