15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
^aThere is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness. ‡

16 ^aDo not be overly righteous,
^bNor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself? ‡

18 It is good that you grasp this,
And also not remove your hand from the other;
For he who ^afears God will escape them all. ‡

19 ^aWisdom strengthens the wise
More than ten rulers of the city. ‡